Crete is a Greek island and administrative region in the eastern Mediterranean. Known for hosting NATO's Souda Bay naval base, one of the most strategically significant U.S. and allied maritime facilities in the region. Recently, Crete has served as a staging point for U.S. naval operations and a site of Israeli naval intercepts of Gaza-bound flotilla vessels. Last updated Jul 5th, 2026
Two U.S. Air Force L3Harris EA-37B "Compass Call" electronic warfare aircraft are flying from Britain to Crete, with more forces heading to the Middle East.
Israeli Navy and Shayetet 13 commandos boarded and seized more than 20 vessels overnight as they headed toward Gaza. Around 175 passengers were detained at sea, far from Israeli shores, and are being transported to Ashdod port bef...
UPDATE 🔴
Israeli Navy and Shayetet 13 commandos boarded and seized more than 20 vessels overnight as they headed toward Gaza. Around 175 passengers were detained at sea, far from Israeli shores, and are being transported to Ashdod port before deportation. No unusual incidents during the operation.
Dozens of additional flotilla boats turned back after Israeli Navy warnings and entered the port of Crete. No vessels are currently en route to Gaza.
Israeli officials say the seized boats led what they call the "condom flotilla" and that they continue to monitor remaining vessels to prevent further attempts to breach the maritime blockade.
Israel's Navy detained approximately 175 activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla after intercepting 21 of its 58 vessels near Crete overnight. The remaining boats have been warned to change course.
Israel's Foreign Ministry posted video showing activists "enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels" and said they are being transported peacefully to Israel. The ministry also published footage of "condoms and drugs" found on one of the boats.
JUST IN 🔴
The USS Gerald R. Ford, currently deployed in operations against Iran, is expected to temporarily pull into port at Souda Bay, Crete after a fire on board, U.S. officials say.
