<h1>Interception of international flotilla raises legality of naval blockade, interdiction, and use of force under Article 51</h1> Naval forces intercepted an international flotilla in the Mediterranean seeking to breach a longstanding naval blockade, detaining several hundred activists and holding them for processing and deportation. Key legal issues include the lawfulness of the blockade and interdiction in international waters, whether the seized vessels were legitimately targeted to prevent arms smuggling or unlawfully impeded civilian humanitarian relief, and the lawfulness of force and treatment used during boardings. States and international actors have alleged breaches of international humanitarian law and maritime law, while the intercepting state asserts self-defense and blockade permissibility; detained individuals face expedited transfer and deportation procedures.