Israeli Navy Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla Off Cyprus Coast
The Israeli Navy intercepted the 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid convoy, in international waters approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Cyprus on May 18, 2026. Commandos boarded several of the 50 vessels that departed from Marmaris, Turkey, seeking to breach the maritime blockade. Organizers reported that contact was lost with nearly two dozen vessels. Israel indicated that activists would be transferred to the port of Ashdod for processing and potential deportation.