Dozens of ‘pro-Palestinian’ activists travelling on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla disembarked in Crete on Friday, May 1st after being intercepted by Israeli forces near the island.
The group of around 175 activists, according to Israeli estimates, was escorted to shore by Greek coast guards and transported on four buses to a location that was not publicly disclosed. Organisers of the flotilla, however, said the total number of people involved was 211.
Israel’s foreign ministry stated that more than 20 boats were stopped during the operation on Thursday. In a post on X, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the transfer of activists was carried out “in coordination with the Greek government,” adding that Israel appreciated Greece’s “willingness to receive the flotilla participants.”
Several European governments whose citizens were among those detained have called for their immediate release, arguing that Israel’s actions represent a serious breach of international law.
The United States expressed support for Israel’s position. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described the flotilla as a “stunt” and urged allied countries to take action against it:
The United States expects all our allies…to take decisive action against this meaningless political stunt by denying port access, docking, departure and refueling to vessels participating in the flotilla.
