Organizers of an aid flotilla aiming for the Gaza Strip reported that Israeli forces intercepted 41 of their vessels in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with 10 boats continuing their voyage toward the besieged Palestinian territory. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated on Tuesday morning that the remaining 10 vessels were approximately 224 kilometers (121 nautical miles) from Gaza.

More than 50 boats departed from Marmaris, Turkey, last week in what organizers characterized as the final phase of an effort to challenge Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces commenced boarding the boats in international waters off Cyprus on Monday, leading to the abduction of activists, according to organizers.

Several nations have condemned the Israeli actions. The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Spain, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Libya, and the Maldives issued a joint statement, labeling the Israeli operations as "blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law." The ministers also voiced "serious concern regarding the safety and security of the civilian participants of the flotilla" and called for the "immediate release of all detained activists, as well as for full respect for their rights and dignity."

Israeli media described the operation as one of the most significant naval interception campaigns against a Gaza-bound flotilla in recent years. Shortly before the interceptions began on Monday, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had urged the flotilla to "change course and turn back immediately."

Among those reportedly "illegally kidnapped" by Israel was Margaret Connolly, an Irish doctor and sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. The Irish President, on a visit to the United Kingdom, described the news as "upsetting" and expressed worry for her sister and her colleagues on board, stating she lacked specific details.

Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing security reasons to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. This blockade has been a point of contention, with rights groups and humanitarian organizations frequently criticizing its impact on the civilian population.

The flotilla campaign is part of a broader history of maritime attempts to challenge the Gaza blockade, often involving activists and humanitarian groups seeking to deliver aid and draw international attention to the situation in the territory.

Organizers have emphasized the peaceful nature of their mission, aiming to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the impact of the blockade. The continued sailing of the remaining vessels signals a persistent challenge to Israeli maritime interdiction efforts.