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Rabat – Israel has released all but two pro-Palestinian activists detained after its forces intercepted an aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters, with the majority now disembarked on the Greek island of Crete.
Around 175 activists abroad and 22 boats were seized on Thursday near Crete, according to Israeli authorities, while organizers said more than 180 civilians were involved in the mission.
‘A PR stunt’
The Global Smud Flotilla (GSF), which organized the convoy, condemned the operation as “piracy,” saying participants were detained unlawfully more than 956 km from Gaza, which is under Israeli naval blockade. Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the flotilla as a “PR stunt.”
“All the detained activists have disembarked in Crete,” Israel said, except for two men taken to Israel “for questioning.”
The foreign ministry identified them as Saif Abu Keshek, “suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization,” and Thiago Avila, “suspected of illegal activity.” Both remain in Israeli custody.
The GSF called for their immediate release, saying: “We demand that all governments do all they can to pressure the Israeli regime to release all the illegal abductees.”
Greek authorities had been preparing since early Friday to receive the group, which includes men and women of various nationalities. They are being transported by naval vessel to the southern coast of Crete, where buses are waiting to take them onward, with Heraklion expected to serve as a temporary accommodation hub before their return home.
Greece’s foreign ministry said it had offered “diplomatic assistance” to ensure the passenger’s safe return.
The United States backed Israel’s action, with State Department spokesman Tommy Pugott calling the flotilla a “meaningless political stunt.”
Israel faces mounting global outcry
The flotilla, comprising 58 vessels, departed from Spain, France, and Italy two weeks ago, aimed to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Thirty-six boats remained near Crete on Friday.
The GSF said Israeli forces “intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled and destroyed various boats” during a “violent raid in international waters” northwest of Crete.
“After detaining participants, smashing an engine, and jamming communications, the Israeli forces retreated, kidnapping participants or intentionally leaving civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm,” the group said.
Israel claimed its actions complied with international law. “Due to the large numbers of vessels and the need to prevent the breach of a lawful blockade, an early action was required,” the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The operation was carried out in international waters peacefully and without any casualties. An initial inspection of the vessels revealed materials that appear to be drugs and contraceptives,” it added.
The ministry also accused the flotilla organizers of “joining hands” with Hamas, “with the aim of sabotaging President Trump’s Gaza peace plan transition to its second phase.”
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European leaders reacted critically. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the immediate release of “all the unlawfully detained Italians,” while Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government was doing “everything necessary to protect and assist the detained Spaniards” and accused Israel of “violating international law.”
Israel previously stopped a similar flotilla organized by the GSF in October, detaining and later deporting more than 470 participants.
The GSF says its mission is to “challenge Israel’s illegal blockade, advance the opening of a permanent humanitarian corridor, and intensify coordinated international pressure.”
Israel maintains there is “no limit on the amount of aid that can enter” Gaza through controlled crossings.
The conflict in Gaza has drawn increasing international concern. A senior United Nations official recently warned that the territory’s 2.1 million people face “ongoing and deadly Israeli strikes and dire humanitarian conditions.
“Food security remains a challenge, while essential services are again on the brink of collapse,” the official said.
The war began after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 72,600 people, according to Gaza health authorities.
