Israeli Navy Intercepts Chilean Humanitarian Activists, Deporting Them to Turkey

Four Chilean citizens—Claudio Caiozzi, Carolina Eltit, Víctor Chanfreau and Ignacio Ladrón de Guevara—were seized by the Israeli Navy on May 18 while sailing with the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla that sought to bring food, water and medicine to Gaza. The interception took place in international waters; the activists were transferred to an Israeli vessel that acted as a floating detention centre and later moved to the port of Ashdod before being deported to Istanbul, Turkey.

The incident prompted diplomatic action from Chile. Former ambassador Nelson Hadad, representing the Global Sumud mission, met with Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials to demand a formal protest, reparations and an investigation into alleged mistreatment. Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir posted images mocking the detainees, heightening political tension. Turkey condemned the seizure as an act of piracy, and the episode follows a previous April 29 interception that also involved a Chilean activist.

The case highlights ongoing disputes over the maritime blockade of Gaza and the legal debate over interceptions in international waters, while involving the governments of Chile, Israel and Turkey.