West of the Greek island of Crete, in waters of international jurisdiction -according to Greece-, and 1,100 kilometers from Gaza, the Israeli armed forces intercepted on Wednesday night at least 22 of the 57 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were heading with humanitarian aid to the Palestinian strip, according to reports from the flotilla and Israel. The Israeli Foreign Minister stated that about 175 activists have been detained, who are being transferred to the Hebrew country.
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After the detention, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Israeli embassy to “convey the strongest condemnation for the detention of the flotilla, in which there were Spaniards.” Sources from the ministry have detailed that Albares “is in permanent contact with counterpart countries that also have nationals in the flotilla.”
The NGO Open Arms, which participates in the humanitarian operation, has explained that “the vessels were boarded by soldiers who pointed automatic weapons at them. Some were later left adrift after the soldiers blocked their engines.” In several recordings, the boarding by armed military and the activists kneeling with their hands up can be seen.
The Italian spokesperson of the flotilla, María Elena Delia, described it as “surreal and shameful” that 22 civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid could be intercepted “without even reaching Crete, so practically in Europe,” she said this Thursday on the 24-hour news channel of the public television RAI.
The activists recall that the affected area is not a disputed border zone and is part of international waters, where no State has the right to claim, control, or exercise sovereignty.
“The flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy and chased by drones 670 miles from its territorial waters, in a SAR zone under Greek responsibility, while Frontex observed from the air. This is piracy and it happens in a European SAR zone, just 45 miles from Greece. What is Europe doing?” asked the founder of Open Arms, Oscar Camps.
According to the activists, the boarding occurred after receiving radio orders from the Israeli Navy to change course, followed by the vessels being cut off from communication. “After destroying the engines and navigation systems, the army withdrew, intentionally leaving hundreds of civilians adrift in damaged and non-operational vessels, directly in the path of an imminent storm,” the flotilla denounced last night on its Telegram channel.
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Hours later, already in the morning, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a message on its social networks stating that “approximately 175 activists from more than 20 vessels of the flotilla are peacefully heading to Israel” and shared a video of “activists enjoying themselves on Israeli boats” showing several people doing physical exercises.
Netanyahu interrupted his testimony in the trial to address issues such as the flotilla
Earlier, he had published images of four condoms and a small bag with unidentified white powder accusing the activists of taking advantage of the cause for a “media spectacle” while using “condoms and drugs.” The authorities have not immediately specified the situation of the detainees nor offered additional details about the circumstances of the interception.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu interrupted his testimony in the trial he faces for various corruption cases to hold a security meeting with his cabinet in which the flotilla issue was one of the points addressed, according to Israeli media.
Meanwhile, in statements to EFE, a representative of the Israeli human rights NGO Adalah said that their lawyers will assist and represent the activists if they are transferred to Israeli territory. This organization already provided legal aid to participants of the flotilla intercepted by Israel in October 2025.
After setting sail from Barcelona two weeks ago, the flotilla stopped at the Italian port of Augusta, from where it departed last Sunday with the aim of reaching the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population.
Meloni demands the release of Italians illegally detained by Israel
For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Israel’s intervention this Thursday and demanded the immediate release of all Italians illegally detained. “The Italian Government condemns the seizure of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which occurred last night in international waters off the Greek coast, and demands from the Israeli Government the immediate release of all Italians illegally detained, full respect for international law, and guarantees regarding the physical integrity of the people on board,” the statement says.
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