Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining activists including a Finnish national, as governments and political groups called for their release.
Finland’s foreign ministry confirmed that a Finnish member of the Global Sumud flotilla disembarked on the Greek island of Crete following the operation. Consular chief Jussi Tanner told STT that the individual had reached shore after the interception.
According to AFP, close to 180 activists from the flotilla arrived in Crete on Thursday. Organisers said more than 200 people were detained during the operation.
The flotilla, made up of dozens of vessels, set sail from ports in Spain, France and Italy with the stated aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s naval blockade. Israeli forces stopped at least 22 boats overnight north-west of Crete, about 965 kilometres from Gaza, organisers said.
Israel’s foreign ministry stated that around 175 activists were detained. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the individuals would be transferred and disembarked in Greece. The ministry described the flotilla as a “PR stunt” and said the operation took place without casualties.
Organisers of the Global Sumud flotilla called out Israel for unlawful action. In a statement, they described the interception as “piracy” and said vessels were boarded and disabled. “Over 180 civilians from around the world have been directly attacked,” the group said.
The Israeli government rejected the claims and stated that its actions complied with international law. It said the operation aimed to prevent a breach of what it described as a lawful blockade and to avoid escalation at sea.
Greek authorities said the interception took place outside their territorial waters. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Greece had no prior notice of the operation but remained in contact with Israeli officials to ensure safe disembarkation. The foreign ministry in Athens called for restraint and respect for international law.
The incident triggered political reaction across Europe. In Finland, members of parliament and European Parliament representatives from the Left Alliance urged Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to act. They called for the release of detained activists, including Finnish participants.
Deputy parliamentary group chair Pia Lohikoski said Finnish authorities must ensure the safety of nationals on board. “The foreign ministry must demand that Israel releases the aid activists,” she said in a statement.
Member of the European Parliament Jussi Saramo said the flotilla had the right to operate in international waters. He referred to United Nations expert assessments that humanitarian aid should reach Gaza by sea.
Italy and Germany issued a joint statement calling for respect for international law and restraint. Italy also demanded the release of its nationals, with local media reporting that 24 Italians were among those detained.
Spain condemned the interception. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X that Israel violated international law and confirmed that Spanish authorities were assisting detained citizens.
Turkey described Israel’s seizure of the boats as an act of piracy. Amnesty International called for the immediate release of those detained and access to consular support.
The flotilla forms part of a wider effort by activists to challenge the blockade of Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain severe. According to the United Nations, the population faces ongoing conflict, limited access to aid and pressure on essential services.
HT
