A Polish activist was detained by Israeli forces in international waters while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Detention in International Waters
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Polish activist Łukasz Kozak was detained by Israeli forces at 12:24 p.m. Polish time. The interception occurred in international waters, approximately 130 kilometers from the coast of Cyprus and 460 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
Global Sumud Poland confirmed that while one Polish national was detained, two others—Agata Wisłocka and Kareem Awad—remain on board other vessels heading toward Gaza. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, was also reported among those detained.
Israeli Blockade and Operational Response
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the flotilla change course, stating it would not permit any breach of the legal maritime blockade of Gaza. Israeli soldiers boarded at least a dozen vessels involved in the mission.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the intervention, describing it as a “discreet” operation that successfully thwarted a plan to bypass the isolation of Hamas terrorists in Gaza without providing the publicity sought by the group’s opponents.
International Condemnation and Humanitarian Goals
The Turkish government labeled the intervention an act of piracy, while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for Israel to be held accountable. Organizers state that the mission aims to deliver aid and establish a humanitarian corridor to address the crisis in Gaza.
The flotilla departed from Marmaris, Turkey, following an earlier departure from Barcelona. According to organizers, Israeli forces have intercepted at least 47 vessels, with 30 others currently continuing their journey toward the Palestinian enclave.
Background of the Humanitarian Crisis
The Global Sumud Flotilla previously coordinated a large-scale mission in late 2025 that resulted in the detention and deportation of activists by Israel. Similar interceptions occurred on April 30 of this year near Crete.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe. According to Palestinian authorities, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has reached at least 72,000 people since the outbreak of hostilities.
