Israeli authorities have taken two leading activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla into custody for questioning after intercepting their vessels in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea, escalating tensions over attempts to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
The activists, Saif Abukeshek, a Palestinian-Spanish national, and Thiago Ávila of Brazil, were among dozens detained when Israeli naval forces stopped the flotilla near the Greek island of Crete. The group, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, had set out from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and breaking the long-standing maritime blockade.
According to Israeli officials, the decision to intercept the flotilla before it reached Israeli waters was driven by security concerns linked to the scale of the operation, which involved around 20 boats and 175 activists. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the two leaders are being transferred to Israel for questioning, alleging suspected links to illegal activities, though no evidence has been publicly provided.
Activists involved in the mission claim Israeli forces boarded the vessels overnight, damaging engines and detaining participants during the operation, which took place hundreds of kilometers from Gaza. While the majority of those detained were later released in Crete, organizers said several vessels remain committed to continuing the mission toward Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has called for international intervention, urging governments to pressure Israel to release those still in custody and to halt what it described as unlawful actions. The incident has sparked protests in multiple cities, including Rome, Athens, and Istanbul, highlighting growing international scrutiny over the blockade and enforcement measures.
Several countries, including Spain and Brazil, joined others in condemning the interception, describing it as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. Meanwhile, the Greek government confirmed it had requested Israel to withdraw its naval presence from the area and offered to facilitate the safe return of activists.
This latest confrontation follows a similar attempt last year, when Israeli forces intercepted another flotilla involving dozens of vessels and hundreds of participants, including high-profile international activists. As tensions persist, the incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical friction surrounding Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
