Jerusalem, 18 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israeli Navy is preparing to intercept a Turkish-backed flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, as organizers seek to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 57 vessels, was tracked west of Cyprus on Monday after departing from Turkey’s Mediterranean coast on Thursday, according to monitoring data.
In a statement on social media, the Israeli Foreign Ministry warned participants, describing the flotilla as a “provocation” and alleging it was not carrying humanitarian aid. The ministry further claimed that two Turkish organizations it associates with previous flotilla activity, including the Mavi Marmara and the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation— which Israel designates as a terrorist organization—were involved in the initiative.
The ministry said the flotilla was intended to “serve Hamas” and distract from efforts related to a proposed peace framework, while also asserting that humanitarian aid is already entering Gaza in large quantities. It cited figures claiming that since October 2025, more than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered the Strip.
Israel blacklists the Turkish IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, saying it is not a neutral aid organization but part of a broader network it alleges has provided support to Hamas under the cover of humanitarian activity. Israeli authorities have accused the group of facilitating fundraising and logistical channels that ultimately benefit the terror group, and point to its central role in organizing the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla as evidence of political activism aligned against Israel’s security policies. IHH rejects the allegations, insisting it operates solely as a humanitarian NGO providing relief in conflict zones.
Defense Minister Israel Katz imposed sanctions on a crowdfunding campaign connected to the flotilla in April, alleging the operation was linked to Hamas and accusing organizers of using humanitarian claims as cover.
Documents recovered in Gaza and released in September by Israel’s Foreign Ministry reportedly indicate Hamas involvement in organizing and financing the Sumud flotilla aimed at challenging the blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel and Egypt have maintained restrictions on Gaza since 2007, following Hamas’s takeover of the territory, citing security concerns and the prevention of weapons smuggling. Since then, activists have periodically organized flotillas attempting to challenge the blockade.
In 2011, a United Nations inquiry into the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident concluded that Israeli Forces used excessive force during the boarding of the vessel, while also upholding the legality of the naval blockade under international law.