Greek authorities confirmed Friday that approximately 175 activists who were part of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla have disembarked in Crete after being intercepted by Israeli military forces in international waters.
The activists, predominantly nationals from various European countries, were escorted by the Greek coast guard to the port of Atherinolakkos in southeastern Crete before being transported to Heraklion, the island’s main city. Witnesses reported the group chanting “Free Palestine” as they approached the port facilities.
The flotilla, consisting of more than 50 vessels, had departed from multiple Mediterranean ports including Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain, and Syracuse in Italy over recent weeks. Organizers stated their mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the existing blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Israeli authorities reported detaining activists from more than 20 vessels on Thursday, while flotilla organizers claimed 211 participants were taken into custody. The discrepancy in numbers has not been reconciled.
Two individuals, identified as Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, were not among those released to Greek authorities. Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein confirmed these two would be transported to Israel for questioning. Keshek faces allegations of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Avila is suspected of illegal activity.
Several European governments have responded to the incident, with Spain specifically demanding the immediate release of one of its citizens who remains in Israeli custody. Turkish foreign ministry officials confirmed that approximately 20 Turkish nationals were among those detained and would be repatriated, along with certain participants from other countries who would also be sent to Turkey.
The Israeli foreign ministry characterized the flotilla as a provocation intended to divert attention from other regional issues. Israeli authorities maintain control over all entry points to Gaza, which has been under blockade since 2007 when Hamas assumed governance of the territory.
The United States government expressed support for Israel’s actions, describing the flotilla as a “stunt” and indicating it expects allied nations to deny port access, docking, departure, and refueling services to vessels participating in such operations. A State Department spokesman indicated Washington was considering imposing consequences on those supporting the flotilla.
This incident follows a similar attempt in summer and autumn of 2025 when the Global Sumud Flotilla attempted to reach Gaza via the Mediterranean. That convoy was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coasts of Egypt and Gaza Strip in early October, resulting in the arrest and subsequent expulsion of crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which intensified following events on October 7, 2023, has created severe humanitarian conditions in the territory. International organizations and foreign NGOs have raised concerns about restrictions on the flow of goods into Gaza, citing critical shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
The interception of the flotilla in international waters has prompted discussions about maritime law and the legality of such operations, with several European governments asserting that Israel’s actions constitute a violation of international law.
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