JAKARTA —-— Disturbing news has emerged from the sea route to Gaza. According to Republika.co.id on Thursday (April 30, 2026), the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian fleet was reportedly intercepted and hijacked by Israeli military forces in international waters near the island of Crete, Greece.
According to a report by Al Jazeera contributor Jack Barton, this interception occurred at a very distant location—approximately 600 nautical miles (1,111 km) from the Gaza coast. This was an unexpected move, as the flotilla was still in international waters, far from the blockade zone unilaterally claimed by Israel.
Activist and writer Tariq Ra’ouf also described the tense atmosphere as their civilian vessel was surrounded by large warships and tactical rubber boats (RIBs).
“Drones kept circling us and shining lights at the ship. Over the radio, the Israeli military kept sending messages that we were violating international law and must stop immediately,” Ra’ouf told Al Jazeera.
Beyond physical harassment, the activists also faced psychological warfare. The Israeli military deliberately played music at extremely high volumes through the emergency radio channel to disrupt coordination and unsettle the humanitarian volunteers.
In line with this, Maimon Herawati, an Indonesian member of the GSF Steering Committee, confirmed this difficult situation. Based on direct observations and official reports received by Republika in Istanbul, at least 11 of the 56 humanitarian ships have now lost contact.
Seven of these ships—namely the Arkham, Romantica, Goleta, Saf Saf, Bianca, Bella Blu, and Eros I—are believed to have been hijacked. A total of 110 international activists aboard these ships are suspected to have been kidnapped.
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“They pointed their weapons at our activist friends and ordered them to kneel,” said Maimon. This act of violence and intimidation was witnessed firsthand by the support team from Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise, which was escorting the voyage.
In a written statement on Thursday (April 30, 2026), the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) stated that Israel is threatening the civilian fleet outside Greece’s search and rescue zone. GSF ships were intercepted by Israel and illegally blockaded the GSF’s non-violent civilian fleet in international waters. Humanitarian activists are also at risk of being kidnapped and intimidated. Additionally, communication with 11 ships has been cut off, and Israeli media claim that seven GSF ships have been intercepted.
However, in the same statement, GSF reaffirmed that it will not back down and will continue sailing until it breaks through the Gaza blockade. Israel’s actions threatening this civilian fleet constitute a grave violation of international law and human rights. The GSF also calls on the world to unite in demanding accountability and an end to these violations, as well as an end to the blockade against Palestine. The GSF further calls for global solidarity to urge world governments and the international community to act swiftly to protect the humanitarian fleet and stop these violations.
Friends, the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla is a global effort to break the blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who are facing genocide. However, this noble intention has been met with terror, violence, and intimidation. Dompet Dhuafa continues to monitor the situation of the volunteers and the aid fleet. Let us lift our prayers for the safety of these humanitarian fighters out at sea.
Strengthen your hope; stand with the Palestinian struggle. Channel your best donations to help meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people through Dompet Dhuafa. Your support is the energy for those who are holding on. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Republika, GSF, GPCI
Editor: Dhika