TURKEY, 16 May. - (ANA) - Dozens of boats carrying activists and aid for Palestinians began sailing from Turkey’s Mediterranean coast on Thursday in the latest attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza — just weeks after Israel intercepted a previous flotilla and detained two activists.

 

More than 50 vessels were scheduled to depart from the port in Marmaris in what the organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described was the final leg of their journey to Gaza’s shores.

 

On April 30, Israeli forces intercepted more than 20 boats from a flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete, initially holding about 175 activists. The incident drew protests and condemnation from several countries and raised questions about what any nation can legally do to enforce a blockade in international waters. Israeli officials said they had to act early because of the high number of boats involved.

 

Israel took two of the activists — Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila — back to Israel where they were interrogated and detained for several days. The activists accused Israel of torture. Brazil and Spain condemned Israel for “kidnapping” their citizens. The two were deported from Israel on Sunday.

 

Organizers say the latest efforts involved a regrouped fleet following Israel’s interception, joined by additional boats. Nearly 500 activists from 45 countries were taking part.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/16 May 2026 - - -