Israel has released all but two of the pro-Palestinian activists detained after its navy intercepted a flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters near Crete. Around 175 people on 22 boats carrying aid were seized on Thursday in what the organizers, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), condemned as an act of piracy. Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt."
The released activists have disembarked on the Greek island of Crete, while two men – Saif Abu Keshek, suspected of ties to a terrorist organization, and Thiago Ávila, suspected of illegal activity – remain in Israeli custody and are being brought to Israel for questioning.
The GSF demanded their immediate release, calling the detentions "illegal abductions." The group confirmed that all other captured members were freed on Crete. Greek authorities prepared to receive the activists from early Friday, with naval vessels transporting them to the southern coast of Crete. Buses are waiting to take them onward to Heraklion for temporary accommodation before they return to their home countries.
Greece offered diplomatic assistance to host the passengers and ensure their safe return. The United States backed Israel's interception, calling the flotilla a "meaningless political stunt."
The flotilla set sail two weeks ago, with 58 vessels joining from Spain, France, and Italy, aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. The GSF accused Israeli forces of a violent raid that disabled boats and left civilians stranded in the path of a storm. Israel insists its actions comply with international law, citing the need to prevent a breach of the blockade. An initial inspection of the vessels allegedly revealed materials described as drugs and contraceptives.
Israel accused the flotilla's organizers of aligning with Hamas to undermine President Trump's Gaza peace plan. Italy and Spain demanded the release of their detained nationals, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accusing Israel of violating international law.
This is the second GSF flotilla Israel has stopped; the previous one in October resulted in the arrest and deportation of over 470 people, including Greta Thunberg. The GSF aims to challenge the blockade and push for a humanitarian corridor. Israel's defense body COGAT stated there is no limit on aid entering Gaza.
The interception occurs amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, where a senior UN official described dire conditions. The IPC confirmed famine in Gaza City last August, though improvements followed a ceasefire in October. The Gaza war began with the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent campaign has killed over 72,600 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.