NYC mayor condemns 'Israeli' seizure of Gaza-bound aid flotilla

• Mamdani says over 175 people were detained, including several New Yorkers.
• He calls interception of Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters a violation of international law.

New York politician Zohran Mamdani has condemned the interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla by 'Israel', describing the operation as a “brazen violation of international law” and calling for the release of all those detained.

Last night, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters off the coast of Greece — unlawfully detaining more than 175 people, including several New Yorkers.

My team has been in direct contact with State and Federal…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 30, 2026

In a post on X, Mamdani said 'Israeli' forces intercepted and boarded the flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece, as it attempted to sail toward the Gaza Strip.

Mamdani stated that the operation resulted in the “unlawful detention of more than 175 people,” including several New Yorkers who were reportedly on board the vessels.

He added that his office had been in direct contact with state and federal partners in an effort to verify the “whereabouts and conditions” of those detained.

Describing the incident as a violation of international law, Mamdani urged the immediate release of all detainees.

“Those detained must be released,” he wrote, framing the interception as part of broader concerns over maritime access to Gaza and the treatment of humanitarian missions.

The incident has drawn renewed political attention in the United States, with officials and public figures reacting to the interception of the flotilla and the detention of activists and aid participants.

The Gaza-bound convoy was carrying humanitarian aid when it was stopped by 'Israel', according to Mamdani’s statement and earlier reports circulating on social media.