IDF begins operation to intercept Turkish-led Gaza flotilla
Netanyahu expected to hold a security discussion Monday before authorizing the takeover of 57 vessels carrying hundreds of activists, including IHH terrorist group members
IDF forces have begun intercepting the Gaza-bound flotilla coming from Turkey in international waters far from the Israeli coast in order to prevent a breach of the naval blockade on Gaza.
In an operation led by Shayetet 13 commandos and naval forces, a floating detention cell has reportedly been built on one of the ships, to which activists will be transferred after their arrest if they refuse to heed the forces' warnings and turn back at sea.
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The flotilla, made up of 57 vessels, set sail last week from Marmaris, Turkey, carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists. The vessels are expected to reach the Gaza Strip area by Tuesday evening if they are not stopped beforehand. Approximately 100 of the activists are Turkish nationals.
The ministry said that two Turkish groups, Mavi Marmara and IHH, were part of the flotilla, noting that IHH has been designated as a terrorist organization.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the flotilla in a statement on X on Sunday, calling it "a provocation for the sake of provocation" and "another so-called 'humanitarian aid flotilla' with no humanitarian aid."
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"The purpose of this provocation is to serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm, and to obstruct progress on President Trump's peace plan," the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry cited the Board of Peace, which oversees humanitarian activities in Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, as stating that "this flotilla is only about publicity." It said more than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza since October 2025.
"Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza," the statement said. "Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately."
In the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, the vessel defied orders to turn around and dock at Ashdod port, forcing the IDF to board the ship. Israeli soldiers were attacked by activists on board and opened fire in response. The incident triggered a prolonged diplomatic fallout between Israel and Turkey.