Overview

• Israeli naval units, including Shayetet 13, moved in after a halt order around 20:25 local time and began interception procedures to transfer participants toward Ashdod for identification, processing and likely expulsion.
• Organizers reported electronic interference, constrained maneuvers and intermittent communications as several boats were approached and surrounded during the operation roughly 120–150 nautical miles from Gaza.
• The IDF released documents alleging Hamas financing and covert ownership of some vessels, claims the flotilla rejects as propaganda while jurists aligned with organizers argue the voyage in international waters is lawful.
• Italy’s frigate Alpino ended its close escort around 150–180 nautical miles, offered to take people aboard, and Rome urged the convoy to stop rather than risk confrontation at sea.
• The interception spurred street actions in Italy as unions called a general strike for Friday and protesters disrupted rail service in Naples and rallied in Rome, Milan, Turin and at the port of Genoa.