{
    "title": "Israeli navy intercepts Gaza aid flotilla carrying activists linked to Belgium",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-18 12:26:33",
    "published_at": "2026-05-18 12:26:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/israeli-navy-intercepts-gaza-aid-flotilla-carrying-activists-linked-to-belgium",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/sWGd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "israeli-navy-intercepts-gaza-aid-flotilla-carrying-activists-linked-to-belgium",
    "body": "<p><strong>The Israeli navy has intercepted ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a pro-Palestinian aid convoy attempting to sail to Gaza Strip, activists said on Monday.</strong></p><p>The flotilla was stopped in international waters near Cyprus at around 9.50am local time. Organisers accused Israel of &ldquo;kidnapping&rdquo; the activists on board.</p><p>According to the group, around ten people with links to Belgium were on the remaining ships. Some are Belgian citizens, while others live in Belgium.</p><p>One of the activists on board is 26-year-old Flemish activist Isja Puissant, who was travelling on the ship Akka. He told Belgian media that Israeli warships and speedboats were approaching the convoy before the interception.</p><p>The activists said they had sent a distress signal to Cyprus but had received no response.</p><p>The flotilla is trying to deliver aid and protest against Israel&rsquo;s blockade of Gaza. Israel has not yet publicly commented on the latest interception.</p><p>In April, Israeli forces also stopped part of the same flotilla near Crete, detaining around 175 activists. Most were later transferred to Greece, although two activists were temporarily held in Israel.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>&copy; Costas METAXAKIS / AFP</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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}