CRETE, GREECE: More than 100 pro-Palestinian activists aboard humanitarian aid vessels bound for Gaza were taken to the Greek island of Crete on Friday after Israeli forces intercepted their ships in international waters, according to flotilla organisers.
The group was part of a second “Global Sumud flotilla” launched to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian supplies. The convoy had departed from Barcelona on April 12.
Organisers said an Israeli naval vessel transferred 168 activists to Greek boats, which then transported them to shore, where buses and an ambulance were waiting. Two participants reportedly remain in Israeli custody.
They also claimed that 22 boats were seized by Israeli forces off Greece’s Peloponnese region, while around 47 other vessels continued sailing near southern Crete with plans to regroup before proceeding toward Gaza. Each ship was said to be carrying roughly a ton of food, medical supplies, and other aid.
Israel’s foreign ministry described the organisers as “professional provocateurs,” while foreign ministries in Germany and Italy expressed “deep concern” over the situation.
The US State Department also warned of potential consequences for those involved, describing the flotilla as aligned with Hamas, a claim rejected by pro-Palestinian activists. They argue their mission focuses on humanitarian assistance and Palestinian rights, not support for militancy.
This incident follows previous attempts to reach Gaza by sea, including one last year that was halted by Israeli forces, during which activist Greta Thunberg and hundreds of others were detained.
