Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla, Detain Two Activists

Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of vessels bound for Gaza in international waters, detaining two activists while releasing most others in Greece. The interception involved 22 boats carrying 175 activists, according to reports from the vessels' organizers. The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza.

The detained activists were identified as Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian citizen. Israeli officials stated on X that Abukeshek was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization and Ávila of illegal activity.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a "PR stunt" and explained that the interception occurred early due to the large number of boats before they entered Israeli waters.

Activists aboard the vessels reported that Israeli forces boarded them, damaged engines, and detained some individuals. The interception took place hundreds of miles from Gaza and Israel, off the coast of Crete, overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.

Most activists, including nationals from European countries, were released and disembarked at a small port on Crete, escorted by the Greek coastguard. The vessels were towed to Crete following the interception.

The governments of Spain and Brazil issued a joint statement accusing Israel of "kidnapping" their citizens in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla denounced the action as "piracy." As of the latest reports, the two detained activists remained aboard an Israeli navy ship in Greek territorial waters.

No publicly released evidence has documented the specific suspicions against the detained activists beyond the Israeli Foreign Ministry's statement. The flotilla organizers have not provided details on the aid cargo in the available statements.