Activists with the Global Sumud Flotilla say Israeli forces intercepted dozens of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip near Crete, detaining around 175 people.

Israel said it acted to enforce its blockade, which has been in place with Egypt since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007.

Organizers and Turkey condemned the move, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

The flotilla aimed to highlight Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food and medicine despite a fragile ceasefire, NPR has reported.

The conflict began after the October 7 attacks, and tens of thousands of Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza health authorities.