Paphos, Cyprus. A vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza sought refuge in the port of Paphos on Tuesday morning after Israeli naval forces intercepted dozens of boats in international waters off the west coast of Cyprus.
Sabra arrives in Paphos
The ship, identified by organisers as the Sabra, arrived in Paphos as Israeli commandos carried out an interception operation against the flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean. According to the Sumud Flotilla’s fleet tracker, the Sabra docked in Paphos at around 1.51am.
Flotilla departs from Turkey
The convoy, made up of around 50 vessels carrying activists and humanitarian aid, had departed from Marmaris in Turkey last week in an attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza.
Organisers report interceptions and loss of contact
Organisers said at least 40 boats were intercepted at sea, while live broadcasts from activists showed Israeli forces boarding vessels before communications were cut. The Global Sumud Flotilla said “two warships were spotted around the boats in the Mediterranean” and claimed, “we lost contact with 23 boats of the flotilla, which was attacked by the Israeli army in international waters”.
Detention reports and social media claims
Reports cited by regional media said around 100 people were detained during the operation and transferred for processing in Israel, though organisers have not independently confirmed the figure. Social media posts also claimed that among those arrested was the sister of Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
Israeli embassy response
The Israeli embassy in Nicosia defended the operation and described the flotilla as “a provocation for the sake of a provocation”. The embassy said “the Gaza blockade shall not be breached” and repeated Israel’s position that humanitarian aid should reach Gaza through “official channels”.
What impact will the interceptions have on future attempts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea?