Flotilla for Gaza intercepted off Crete as 175 activists disembark in Greece
Greek authorities escort 175 activists from flotilla for Gaza to Atherinolakkos port after Israeli forces intercepted vessels; two detainees to be transferred to Israel.
Dozens of activists from the flotilla for Gaza disembarked on Friday at the small port of Atherinolakkos on the Greek island of Crete after being intercepted at sea by Israeli forces, officials said. The group, escorted by the Greek coast guard, included primarily European nationals and was taken ashore in four buses near Ierapetra. Organizers and Israeli authorities offered differing tallies of those detained as the diplomatic fallout began to unfold.
Detentions and arrival on Crete
Around 175 activists were escorted into the port by Greek authorities following Wednesday night’s interceptions, according to an Israeli foreign ministry statement. Organizers of the convoy, which began with more than 50 boats, put the number at 211 and said several vessels had been boarded far from Israeli territorial waters.
As the boats approached the port, participants chanted "Free Palestine," witnesses reported, and were moved onto land under coast guard supervision. The activists were then taken to reception points where consular and Greek officials were present to record identities and arrange next steps.
Two suspects to be transferred to Israel
Israeli officials identified two men who would not remain in Greece and said they would be transferred to Israel for questioning. The foreign ministry named Saif Abu Keshek, whom it said was suspected of belonging to a terrorist organization, and Thiago Avila, described as suspected of illegal activities.
Israeli spokespeople said the two would be held for interrogation under Israeli jurisdiction while the remainder of the civilians would be processed in Greece. Greek authorities did not immediately confirm the transfer but said they were coordinating with consular offices for each national involved.
Greece accepts disembarkation and pledges repatriation
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said an agreement with Greece allowed civilians taken on board an Israeli vessel to be landed on Greek soil rather than being brought to Israel. The Greek foreign ministry confirmed it was in contact with consular offices for the activists and would "ensure their return" to their home countries.
Approximately 175 people, primarily from European states, were taken in four coaches to Atherinolakkos, according to observers on the ground. Greek officials said the state would oversee the safe repatriation of foreign nationals while processing any legal matters raised by Israel.
Organizers allege boarding in international waters
Organizers of the Global Sumud flotilla said several of their boats were intercepted in international waters near Crete and that personnel were forcibly removed from vessels. They reported that high-speed military craft boarded the flotilla at night, that occupants were restrained and ordered to gather at the bows of their boats, and that lasers and semi-automatic weapons were displayed during confrontations.
The convoy, which set out with humanitarian aims, said its crews were ordered to kneel while others were taken aboard Israeli ships. Organizers accused Israeli forces of carrying out an unprecedented operation at a distance from Israel and described the actions as an unlawful seizure of civilians.
European concerns and diplomatic responses
Several European governments whose citizens were among the detained issued immediate responses, with Rome formally requesting the release of its nationals. Spain, Turkey and Pakistan described the interceptions as potential violations of international law and called for investigations into the circumstances of the boarding and subsequent treatment.
Diplomatic sources said consular officials from multiple countries were present in Crete to assist nationals and to monitor the process. The differing accounts from organizers and Israeli authorities set the stage for a series of diplomatic exchanges and possible legal challenges in international forums.
Objectives of the Global Sumud convoy and recent history
The Global Sumud flotilla — Sumud meaning "resilience" in Arabic — said its mission was to challenge the maritime restrictions on Gaza and to deliver humanitarian assistance. The campaign follows a similar series of voyages last year in 2025, when several hundred activists, including high-profile figures, were detained at sea, transferred to Israel and later expelled.
Organizers described the current convoy as both a protest and an aid effort aimed at drawing attention to restricted access to Gaza amid an ongoing, fragile ceasefire that has been in effect since October. The flotilla began with more than 50 vessels and had publicly announced plans to sail supplies and raise international attention to humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.
Greek and foreign consular teams continue to process the activists and coordinate repatriation efforts, while Israeli authorities pursue inquiries into the two individuals slated for transfer. The situation remains fluid as governments review legal options and humanitarian concerns tied to maritime interdictions and the treatment of civilians at sea.
