Israel Detains 175 Activists, Seizes 22 Gaza Aid Vessels Near Greek Island Crete
Israeli forces have intercepted at least 22 vessels from a Gaza aid flotilla in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, detaining approximately 175 activists.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) organisers condemned the action as "piracy", asserting that those on board were unlawfully seized some 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which remains under an Israeli naval blockade. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention of around 175 activists from over 20 boats, stating they were being transported to Israel. The Ministry characterised the flotilla as a "PR stunt".
GSF tracking data indicated that most of the remaining 36 boats in the flotilla were navigating close to Crete's south-western coast. The flotilla, comprising 58 vessels from Spain, France, and Italy, commenced its journey two weeks prior with the stated aim of breaching Israel's blockade of Gaza.
On Thursday, the GSF reported that at least 22 of their vessels had been "stormed by Israeli forces in complete violation of international law" as of 04:30 GMT. An earlier statement alleged that Israeli naval forces had "intercepted vessels, jammed communications, including distress channels, and aggressively abducted civilians." The GSF reiterated, "This is piracy. 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."
Israeli accounts stated that the navy issued warnings for vessels to retreat, subsequently taking control of those that did not comply. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video purporting to show the detained activists "making their way peacefully to Israel" aboard Israeli vessels, maintaining that its actions adhere to international law.
On Wednesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry labelled the flotilla "nothing but a PR stunt: a provocation without humanitarian aid." It further alleged, "The driving force behind the flotilla provocation is Hamas - joining hands with professional provocateurs - with the aim of sabotaging President Trump's [Gaza] peace plan transition to its second phase and intended to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm."
The Israeli military had previously halted a GSF flotilla attempting to reach Gaza last October, resulting in the arrest and subsequent deportation of over 470 individuals, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. This incident occurs while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also hearing genocide proceedings against Israel, brought by South Africa, having issued provisional measures in January 2024 to prevent acts of genocide.
