Israeli Media: IDF Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla Ships, Activists Sent to Ashdod Port

Israeli forces began intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) ships sailing towards Gaza on Monday (18/05/2026). According to reports from Yedioth Ahronoth via Al Jazeera, the arrested activists were subsequently transferred to an IDF naval vessel to be sent to the Port of Ashdod.

According to Ynet reports, the GSF ships were intercepted in waters near Cyprus, several hundred kilometres from the Israeli coast. Shortly before the Israeli military interception, the GSF issued a statement via its social media account, stating: “150 miles from Gaza, in international waters, Israel is preparing to attack the Global Sumud Flotilla.”

One hour prior to the interception, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the Flotilla ships to turn back, issuing an official statement: “Change course and turn back immediately.”

The broadcaster Kan previously reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu granted authority to the military to prevent GSF ships from approaching Gaza and to seize vessels attempting to breach the IDF naval blockade. Israel has maintained the naval blockade off the coast of Gaza since 2007, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.