Overview
- The Israeli navy, which intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla Wednesday night near Crete, transferred 168 detainees to Greek boats on Friday as 22 seized vessels were brought under control and dozens of others stayed at sea.
- Flotilla organisers say Israeli forces boarded in international waters, used drones and communications jamming, and ordered people to the deck at gunpoint, while Israel says it lawfully enforced its Gaza naval blockade after broadcasting warnings and offering diversion to Ashdod for inspection.
- Greek authorities received the activists on Crete after coordination with Israel, and activists plan for about 47 remaining boats to anchor off southern Crete before deciding whether to continue toward Gaza.
- Turkey called the operation piracy, Spain called it illegal, Germany and Italy voiced concern, and the U.S. State Department warned of consequences for supporters of what it casts as a pro‑Hamas effort.
- Organisers report two activists remain in Israeli custody and allege rough treatment during transfer, Israel questions the flotilla’s motives and publicised disputed cargo claims, and the episode follows a similar interception last year under a blockade in place since 2007 that rights groups say deepens Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.