Israeli navy commandos boarded a vessel from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Cyprus on Monday, according to video footage circulating online, the latest in a series of interceptions of the activist convoy across the Mediterranean.
Israel had warned participants they must “change course and return immediately.” The Global Flotilla said two warships had been spotted surrounding its vessels. “Contact was lost with one of our ships, which was being harassed by the Israeli military,” the organisation said.
The Israeli Navy has begun to intercept the activist mission sailing to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s naval blockade. pic.twitter.com/YXeSwxPDOd
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) May 18, 2026