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Israel Releases Most Activists Detained From Gaza Aid Flotilla in Greece
Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, detaining about 175 activists who were later released in Greece except for two held for questioning. Organizers condemned the action as unlawful, while Israel described it as necessary to enforce a blockade. The incident drew responses from several governments and highlighted ongoing tensions in Gaza aid delivery.
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Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of boats carrying aid to Gaza, in international waters near Crete on Thursday. The operation involved boarding and disabling several vessels, leading to the detention of approximately 175 activists from various nationalities.
Most were released in Greece, but two men remain in Israeli custody for suspected affiliations or illegal activities. The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla group, set sail two weeks ago from ports in Spain, France, and Italy, with a total of 58 vessels initially involved.
Organizers stated the goal was to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Israel maintains the blockade is lawful and necessary, and its foreign ministry said an initial inspection found materials appearing to be drugs and contraceptives on board.
All detained activists disembarked in Crete, except for the two men being brought to Israel for questioning. The Global Sumud Flotilla called for their immediate release, describing the interceptions as a violent raid that left some boats stranded amid an approaching storm.
Greek authorities facilitated the release, providing diplomatic assistance to ensure the safe return of the activists to their home countries. Sources indicated that the released group, including men and women from countries such as Greece and Australia, was transported by naval vessel to the southern coast of Crete.
They were expected to be accommodated in Heraklion before arrangements for repatriation. The flotilla organizers reported that participants were mistreated during detention. Israel's foreign ministry accused the flotilla organizers of aligning with Hamas to sabotage President Trump's Gaza peace plan and divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm.
