Israeli Military Detains Two Humboldt Residents During Global Sumud Flotilla Interception
On May 18, 2026, the Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detaining over 400 participants, including two residents from Humboldt County, California, Silas Beaver and Greg Terry. The flotilla, consisting of 50 vessels, was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. This marks the second interception of the flotilla by Israeli forces, with the first occurring in April. The detained individuals are reportedly being transported to a prison in Ashdod, Israel. Pre-recorded SOS videos from Beaver and Terry have been posted online, highlighting the anticipated risks of their mission. The U.S. State Department has announced sanctions against the flotilla organizers, alleging connections to Hamas, as part of broader counterterrorism measures.