Israel Transfers Two Flotilla Activists for Questioning After High-Seas Seizures Near Greece

Overview

• Israeli officials said Brazilian Thiago Ávila and Spanish‑Palestinian Saif Abu Keshek are in Israel for police interrogation and will receive consular visits.
• Most participants were moved to the Greek island of Crete on Friday after an Israeli Navy ship transferred 168 people to Greek vessels, with organizers saying only two remained in Israeli custody.
• Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla on Wednesday in international waters near the Peloponnese and Crete, with Israel citing roughly 175 detainees from more than 20 boats as organizers alleged illegal boarding and threats at gunpoint.
• Brazil and Spain issued a joint note calling the detentions a seizure in international waters and demanding the immediate return of their nationals, while a group of foreign ministers condemned the interceptions as breaches of international law.
• The U.S. State Department labeled the flotilla pro‑Hamas, noted the lead organizing entity is under U.S. sanctions, and urged allies to deny port access, as Israel publicized a disputed video of alleged contraband that organizers called disinformation.