Overview
- Israeli naval forces stopped more than 20 Global Sumud vessels in international waters off Greece on Wednesday, removing roughly 175 activists and redirecting most to Crete.
- Dozens received treatment on Crete as organisers reported beatings, rubber bullets and concussions, while Israel’s foreign minister said participants were taken off the boats unharmed.
- Two men — Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Thiago Ávila of Brazil — were taken to Israel for questioning over alleged ties to the U.S.-sanctioned Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, with both countries granted consular access.
- Spain’s foreign minister called Abu Keshek’s transfer an illegal detention and demanded his release, as rights group Adalah said the two detainees reported blindfolding, beatings, isolation and a hunger strike.
- Organisers say the seizure far from Gaza was piracy, while Israel argues early action was lawful to uphold its Gaza naval blockade; press group CPJ condemned the detention of journalists, and governments from Spain to New Zealand are assisting citizens and seeking answers.