Israeli authorities have confirmed that two activists leading an aid flotilla bound for Gaza are being taken to Israel for questioning after being intercepted in international waters. The individuals, identified as Palestinian-Spanish citizen Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila, were among dozens of activists detained by the Israeli navy off the coast of Crete. They are members of the steering committee of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break Israel's naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.
Interception Details
The incident involved approximately 20 boats and 175 activists, who were intercepted hundreds of miles from Gaza and Israel overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. Activists reported that Israeli forces stormed their vessels, smashed engines, and detained some of those onboard. Israeli officials stated that early action was necessary due to the large number of boats involved, preventing the flotilla from reaching Israeli waters.
Allegations and International Reaction
On Friday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced via X that Abukeshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Ávila is suspected of illegal activity, though no evidence was provided. The Global Sumud Flotilla appealed for international support, demanding that all governments pressure Israel to release the detainees. The rest of the flotilla participants were released in Crete late Thursday. Of the 53 vessels sailing prior to the interception, 31 reached safe waters and will continue efforts to break the siege, organizers said.
The flotilla set sail earlier this month from Barcelona, Spain, with organizers stating that over 70 boats and 1,000 people from around the world would participate. The Greek foreign ministry requested Israel to withdraw its ships and offered good services for the activists to disembark in Greece. Protests in solidarity with the flotilla occurred in Rome, Athens, and Istanbul. Spain and Brazil have not commented on the detention, but a joint statement from several nations late Thursday condemned the interception as a flagrant violation of international law.
Previous Attempts
This latest attempt comes less than a year after a previous flotilla was foiled by Israeli authorities, involving about 50 vessels and 500 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela's grandson. That group was arrested, detained, and deported, with Ávila alleging abuse while in detention, which Israeli authorities denied.
