NYC Mayor criticises Israeli seizure of Gaza aid flotilla

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has condemned Israel over the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The incident happened near the Greek island of Crete.

Mayor Mamdani posted his reaction on social media. He said Israeli forces entered international waters and boarded the humanitarian flotilla overnight. The flotilla was heading to Gaza to deliver aid.

More than 175 people were detained during the operation. Several of them were New Yorkers. Mamdani said his team immediately contacted state and federal partners. They worked to find out where the detained New Yorkers were and confirm their safety.

The mayor used strong words to describe the incident. He called it a brazen violation of international law. He ended his statement with a clear demand. He said all detained people must be released.

Israel said its navy acted legally. Officials claimed the Gaza blockade is lawful. They also accused Hamas of being behind the flotilla mission. The United States backed Israel and called the flotilla a counterproductive stunt.

Spain and Turkey condemned the operation. Spain’s prime minister called it a violation of international law. Turkey’s government called it an act of piracy.

The flotilla was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. It set sail from Barcelona in early April 2026. More than 70 boats and around 1,000 activists from different countries were taking part.