Spanish Boats Intercepted and Sabotaged Near Crete as Israel Detains 175 Flotilla Activists

Flotilla Intercepted More Than 600 Miles from Gaza

Israeli forces intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla overnight on April 29–30, 2026, in international waters near the Greek island of Crete — more than 600 nautical miles from Gaza's coast, in what organisers described as an unprecedented distance for such an action.

Of the 58 vessels taking part in the mission, 22 were captured by Israeli forces. 175 activists from more than 20 nationalities were detained and taken to Israel. A further 36 boats continued sailing, with some entering Greek territorial waters to avoid interception.

The flotilla had departed Barcelona on April 12, carrying more than 1,000 participants from around the world, including Greenpeace International's Arctic Sunrise vessel, which had joined as a support ship.

Engines Sabotaged, Crews Left Stranded

According to flotilla activist Tariq Ra'ouf, Israeli soldiers did not simply detain vessels — they systematically disabled them. Ra'ouf reported that engines were smashed, navigation arrays destroyed, and communications equipment rendered inoperable, leaving crews "abandoned on powerless, broken vessels" in the Mediterranean — with a major storm approaching.

The flotilla's official statement described Israeli forces using military speedboats, drones, and communications jamming technology, with armed boarding parties deploying rigid inflatable boats to surround vessels. Activists were ordered "to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees" with soldiers pointing "lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons" at them.

Ra'ouf added: "We've lost communication with many of our boats" — attributing the blackout to Israeli military radio jamming, which he described as "psychological warfare."

Israel's Response

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein defended the operation, stating it was carried out "in accordance with international law" and "peacefully and without any casualties." The Foreign Ministry released video of activists aboard an Israeli navy ship and claimed drugs were found aboard some vessels. Israeli officials characterised the flotilla as a "PR stunt" with alleged links to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said his forces acted "with professionalism and determination" in stopping what he called a "provocative flotilla."

Spain Condemns the Action — Naval Vessel Dispatched

Spain's response was among the strongest of any European nation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking from Copenhagen, called Israel's actions "a violation of international law" and said the flotilla "does not represent any danger" to Israel.

Sánchez stated that Spanish activists "will have full diplomatic protection" and said: "This is a humanitarian mission that would not have taken place if Israel had allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza."

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement saying Israel had "violated humanitarian principles and international law" by targeting what it described as "a peaceful and humanitarian civil society initiative." Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares established a dedicated monitoring unit and Spain dispatched the naval patrol vessel Furor from Cartagena to assist with potential rescue operations in international waters.

International Reactions

Turkey condemned the seizure as "an act of piracy." The European Commission emphasised that "freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld." Italy called the interception "unlawful" and instructed its embassies to seek clarification. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke directly with Spain's Foreign Minister Albares by phone following the incident.

Flotilla spokesperson Gur Tsabar called the Israeli action "a straight-up attack on unarmed civilian boats in international waters" and said Israel had "no jurisdiction in those waters."

Context

This was the flotilla's second mission — a first run in September–October 2025 had also been intercepted, at approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, with more than 450 activists detained before being deported. The interception distance of over 600 nautical miles in the April 2026 operation has drawn particular international attention.

The action took place during a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, though Israeli operations had continued to kill hundreds since the truce began, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 30, 2026.