More than 100 pro-Palestinian activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were detained and taken to the Greek island of Crete after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels in international waters, escalating tensions over access to the blockaded territory.
ATHERINOLAKKOS
The activists were part of the Global Sumud flotilla, a civilian-led effort aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza Strip and delivering essential supplies to its residents. The convoy of ships had departed from Barcelona on April 12, carrying food, medical aid, and other humanitarian materials.
According to organisers, Israeli naval forces intercepted at least 22 vessels late on Wednesday in international waters near the Peloponnese peninsula, a region of Greece located hundreds of miles from Gaza. On Friday, 168 activists were transferred from Israeli custody onto Greek vessels and taken to Crete, where they were received by local authorities. Two activists reportedly remained in Israeli custody.
Despite the seizure, organisers stated that dozens of other boats—approximately 47—remain in the Mediterranean Sea near southern Crete and are expected to regroup before continuing their journey toward Gaza. Each vessel is said to be carrying around one ton of humanitarian supplies.
The Israeli government strongly criticized the flotilla, with its foreign ministry labeling organisers as professional provocateurs. Meanwhile, international reactions have been mixed. Foreign ministries from Germany and Italy issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the developments. The United States Department of State warned it could impose consequences on individuals or groups supporting the flotilla, alleging links to Hamas—a claim activists strongly deny.
Participants in the flotilla argue that their mission is purely humanitarian and aimed at supporting Palestinian civilians, not political or militant causes. They accuse Israel and the United States of conflating advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremist groups.
This is not the first such attempt. In a similar incident last October, Israeli forces intercepted another flotilla organized by the same group, detaining over 450 participants, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached last October that included provisions for increased aid, relief organizations report that supplies are still insufficient. With a population exceeding two million, the majority of Gaza’s residents have been displaced, many living in temporary shelters, damaged buildings, or open areas with limited access to food, water, and medical care.