Dozens of activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were brought to Greece on Friday after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels in international waters near Crete, triggering a fresh diplomatic dispute between Israel, European governments, and the United States.
Greek coast guard officials escorted around 175 activists ashore, where they were transferred by bus to an undisclosed location. Israeli authorities said the group was removed from more than 20 vessels during the operation on Thursday, while organisers of the flotilla placed the number of participants at 211.
The flotilla, initially made up of more than 50 boats, was organised with the stated aim of breaking Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the territory. Organisers said the mission was intended to highlight restrictions on access to Gaza, even as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place since October.
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the activists were transferred from their boats to an Israeli vessel before being moved onward in coordination with Greek authorities. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Greece had agreed to receive the group and thanked Athens for its cooperation.
The Greek foreign ministry confirmed it was involved in coordinating the disembarkation, stressing the importance of restraint and adherence to international maritime and humanitarian law following the interception.
Several European governments whose citizens were among those detained criticised Israel’s actions and demanded the release of the activists. They described the interception as a breach of international law and raised concerns over the seizure of vessels in international waters.
The United States, however, defended Israel’s operation. A State Department spokesperson referred to the flotilla as a “stunt” and said allies should deny logistical support to the vessels involved, including access to ports, refuelling, and docking facilities.
The activists’ removal has added further strain to already heightened international debate over the Gaza blockade and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the territory. While supporters of the flotilla argue that it sought to deliver aid and draw attention to the humanitarian situation, critics, including US officials, dismissed the mission as politically motivated.
With the activists now in Greece, diplomatic exchanges are expected to continue between countries whose citizens were involved, as calls grow in parts of Europe for clarification over the legality of the interception in international waters.
