JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The IDF has seized more than 20 boats from the flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists bound for Gaza, arresting some 175 activists, according to a Ynet report.

The Gaza-bound flotilla was not due to arrive for another week, but the takeover began overnight in international waters west of Crete. Activists claimed guns were aimed at them, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry released videos mocking the boats and Turkey and Spain urged a united stance against Israel.

Flotilla activists claimed their boats were attacked by Israel “with semi-automatic weapons,” but another Israeli official said “the takeover is proceeding and there are no unusual developments or violent incidents.” Officials said they found condoms and drugs on the boats besides items touted as “medical aid.”

Approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats of the condom flotilla are now making their way peacefully to Israel.

In the video: the activists enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels pic.twitter.com/0sz8kDpKLX

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 30, 2026

The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday morning that the IDF had taken control of more than 20 boats from the flotilla, carrying about 175 activists. It released video showing some of them aboard Israeli vessels to which they were transferred. Dozens of additional boats were part of the flotilla, and most turned back following the Israeli demand. If any continue toward Gaza, the intention is to take control of them as well.

Activists attempted to block a Zim shipping company vessel bound for Israel, aiming to impose what they described as a “siege on Israel.” Israeli officials said the move violated maritime law, giving Israel grounds to take control of more vessels than originally planned. The navy also cited the size of the flotilla as a reason for the early interception in international waters.

In total, naval forces seized 21 of about 60 boats, focusing on the flotilla’s larger, faster vessels described as its leading ships. About 170 activists aboard them were detained and transferred to a navy vessel described as a “floating detention facility,” and are being brought to Israel in custody.

The seized boats were disabled, with their engines rendered inoperable and left at sea. Israeli officials said the vessels that were seized were the flotilla’s “main and most significant” ships. “The remaining boats were left without leadership, turned back and do not pose a threat,” one official said. “We are monitoring them, but do not view them as a threat. The entire flotilla turned out to be a farce.”

The officials added that upon arrival in Israel, the activists would be deported in accordance with procedure. According to the officials, climate activist Greta Thunberg, who took part in previous flotillas and was deported from Israel, was not among those detained.