Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla, contact lost with activists

The organization says Israeli speedboats surrounded multiple vessels in the convoy in Mediterranean Sea before taking control of the flotilla

BEIRUT: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 18^th, 2026) The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian assistance for Gaza, according to an aid organization involved in the mission.

The organization said Israeli speedboats surrounded multiple vessels in the convoy in Mediterranean Sea before taking control of the flotilla. It added that communication with several aid workers on board was subsequently lost.

Following the incident, the aid group expressed concern over the situation, stating that it had been unable to establish contact with the activists and volunteers on the vessels.

Saad Edhi, son of Faisal Edhi, head of the Edhi Foundation and part of the flotilla, said in a social media statement that naval vessels were tracking the convoy. He claimed that one of the boats had been stopped and raised concerns that participants could be detained in international waters.

He maintained that the mission was peaceful and aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Saad Edhi had departed from Türkiye on May 15 along with the flotilla as part of the relief mission bound for Gaza.