Israeli Navy Moves to Take Control of Turkish Gaza Flotilla at Sea

IDF forces today (Monday) began taking control of the Turkish flotilla to Gaza, the "Marmara 2," in international waters, far from Israel’s coast. In a live broadcast transmitted by flotilla activists, Israeli Navy ships were seen approaching the vessels, and later IDF fighters were documented boarding several of them.

The Turkish flotilla includes 58 vessels carrying about 500 activists, including around 100 Turkish citizens. The IDF is preparing for a scenario in which weapons may be found on board, including bladed weapons and even firearms. Israeli Navy forces, including missile ships and naval commandos, completed preparations for the possibility of taking control of the flotilla. Activists who are caught will be transferred to a "floating prison" and from there taken to the Port of Ashdod.

Among the groups leading the flotilla is the Turkish organization IHH, whose activity has been banned in Israel because of its close ties to Hamas. In Israel’s defense establishment, there is concern that the presence of Turkish activists and the group’s involvement could make this incident more explosive than previous flotillas.

The concern is also based on past experience. The IHH organization was behind the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010, during which a violent confrontation developed between activists and fighters from Shayetet 13. In that incident, activists attacked the Israeli forces with knives and clubs, and even seized the weapon of one of the fighters and opened fire. During the takeover, 10 activists were killed, 30 others were injured, and among the Israeli forces 10 IDF soldiers were wounded, including two seriously.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said earlier: "Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called 'humanitarian aid flotilla' with no humanitarian aid. This time, two violent Turkish groups — Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter defined as a terrorist organization — are part of the provocation."

"The purpose of this provocation is to serve Hamas, divert attention from Hamas’s refusal to disarm, and block progress on President Trump’s peace plan."

"As made clear by the Peace Council — which oversees humanitarian activity in Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2803: this flotilla is intended solely for publicity. The Gaza Strip is flooded with aid. Since October 2025 alone, more than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza."

"Israel will not allow any violation of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza. Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately."