Crete, May 1, 2026: More than 100 activists aboard humanitarian aid ships bound for Gaza Strip were taken to the Greek island of Crete on Friday after Israeli forces intercepted and seized several vessels in international waters near Greece, according to organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The activists were participating in the second Global Sumud Flotilla mission launched in recent months to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
The flotilla had departed from Barcelona on April 12 carrying food, medical supplies and relief equipment.
According to organisers, an Israeli naval vessel transferred 168 crew members from the flotilla to Greek boats, which later transported them ashore in Crete, where buses and ambulances were waiting.
Former Jamaat-e-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was also part of the mission, though it was not immediately clear whether he was among those detained by Israeli authorities.
Before communications were reportedly disrupted, Mushtaq Ahmad posted videos on X claiming that Israeli forces had captured 11 vessels belonging to the flotilla.
Israel’s foreign ministry described the flotilla organisers as “professional provocateurs” and said Israel would not permit any attempt to breach what it called the “lawful naval blockade” on Gaza.
According to flotilla organisers and Israeli authorities, two activists remain in custody.
The detainees were identified as Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila.
Jose Manuel Albares condemned Abu Keshek’s detention and demanded his immediate release.
Israel’s foreign ministry alleged that Abu Keshek was suspected of links to a terrorist organisation, while Avila was accused of illegal activity. Both are expected to be taken to Israel for questioning.
In statements shared on Telegram, flotilla organisers accused Israeli authorities of mistreating detained activists aboard naval vessels.
They alleged that activists were denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on flooded floors during what they described as “40 hours of calculated cruelty.”
The organisers further claimed some activists suffered injuries, including broken noses and cracked ribs, after being kicked and dragged while restrained.
Israeli authorities did not immediately respond to the allegations.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministries of Germany and Italy said they were monitoring the situation with “deep concern.”
According to sources cited by Reuters, while 22 boats were intercepted, another 47 vessels remain off southern Crete and are expected to continue their journey towards Gaza after anchoring temporarily.
The United States Department of State warned on Thursday that Washington could impose consequences on those supporting the flotilla, which it characterised as being aligned with Hamas.
However, pro-Palestinian activists rejected the accusation, arguing that support for Palestinian humanitarian rights was being wrongly equated with support for Hamas.
The flotilla interception drew strong condemnation from Pakistan and 10 other countries, including Turkiye, Brazil, Jordan, Spain, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Maldives, South Africa and Libya.
In a joint statement, the countries termed the Israeli operation a violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel of “once again violating international law” and urged the European Union to suspend bilateral ties with Israel.
Flotilla organisers described the Israeli action as “piracy,” arguing that the seizure of civilians in international waters demonstrated Israel’s ability to operate “with total impunity.”
The incident comes amid continuing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where aid agencies say supplies remain critically insufficient despite a ceasefire reached last October.
According to international humanitarian organisations, most of Gaza’s population of more than two million people remains displaced and living in extremely difficult conditions.
Israel has repeatedly denied accusations that it is restricting humanitarian supplies entering the territory.
