Israeli forces have intercepted at least ten ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). The group reported that communication was lost with several vessels and that many activists were detained. The flotilla was stopped about 250 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast, within the area Israel enforces as a maritime blockade zone. GSF described the incident as an act of “illegal piracy.” No immediate comment was issued by Israeli authorities.

Israel’s foreign ministry had earlier labeled the flotilla a “provocation” and alleged involvement of two violent Turkish groups. The same flotilla was detained near Crete last month, when 175 activists were arrested and later released under international pressure. The remaining vessels resumed their journey from Marmaris, Turkey, last Thursday with around 50 boats heading toward Gaza.

GSF participants said they sought to deliver emergency aid amid Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis, despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seven months ago. The UN recently warned that restrictions on imports and fuel shortages are severely disrupting humanitarian operations in Gaza.