More than 100 pro‑Palestinian activists aboard boats carrying aid to Gaza were taken to the Greek island of Crete on Friday after Israeli forces seized their vessels in international waters near Greece, according to flotilla organisers.
The activists were part of a second Global Sumud flotilla, launched in recent months in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. The vessels had set sail from the Spanish port of Barcelona on 12 April.
The organisers, Global Sumud Flotilla, said several vessels were seized hundreds of miles (1,111 km) from Gaza, near the Greek island of Crete.
“Israeli military boats have illegally surrounded the flotilla in international waters and threatened kidnapping and violence,” the flotilla said in a post on social media.
"This is piracy," the group said in a statement. "This is the unlawful seizure of human beings on the open sea near Crete, an assertion that Israel can operate with total impunity, far beyond its own borders, with no consequences."
Reuters footage showed an Israeli military vessel transferring members of the flotilla crew to Greek boats, which then brought them ashore. Buses and an ambulance were seen waiting at the port.
Greece’s foreign ministry said 176 people disembarked in Crete. Thirty‑one were taken to a health centre for first aid, while the remainder were transported to Heraklion international airport to leave the country.
Israel’s foreign ministry described the organisers as “professional provocateurs” and said Israel would not permit what it called a breach of the “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza.
In a post on X, he added, "Our brave IDF soldiers are acting with professionalism and determination, dealing with a group of delusional attention-seeking agitators."
Two activists were detained by Israeli authorities, according to statements from both Israel and the flotilla organisers. They were identified as Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national.
Spain’s foreign minister accused Israel of illegally arresting Abu Keshek and called for his immediate release. The governments of Brazil and Spain issued a joint statement describing the detention as illegal and a violation of international law.
Israel’s foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of links to a terrorist organisation and Avila of illegal activity, adding that both would be taken to Israel for questioning.
Flotilla organisers alleged on their Telegram channel that those detained were denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on flooded floors aboard an Israeli naval vessel. They described the experience as “40 hours of calculated cruelty”.
They also claimed some activists suffered injuries, including broken noses and cracked ribs, after being kicked and dragged across the deck while their hands were tied as they protested the detentions. Photographs showing bruised faces were published. Israel has not commented on the allegations.
A source familiar with the operation said that while 22 boats had been intercepted, 47 others were still sailing off southern Crete and planned to anchor before attempting to continue towards Gaza. Each vessel is carrying food, medical supplies and other equipment, the source said.
The organisers said the intercepted boats were seized late on Wednesday in international waters off Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, several hundred miles from Gaza.
The U.S. State Department warned it could impose consequences on those supporting the flotilla, which it characterised as pro‑Hamas. Activists dispute that description, saying advocacy for Palestinian rights is being wrongly conflated with support for militant groups.
A previous flotilla organised by the same group was halted by Israeli forces last October, with hundreds of participants detained.
Israeli forces detained more than 450 people, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Some of those held later alleged mistreatment in custody. Tel Aviv denied these claims calling them "brazen lies." Israel later deported those detained during the operation.
Aid agencies say supplies reaching Gaza remain insufficient, despite a ceasefire agreed last October that included commitments to increase humanitarian access. Israel, which controls entry into the territory, denies restricting essential supplies.
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