Israel releases all but two activists in Greece after intercepting Gaza aid flotilla
Israeli forces intercepted a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters near Crete, detaining around 175 activists before releasing all but two in Greece. The two remaining individuals, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila, are being held in Israel on suspicion of ties to terrorist organizations and illegal activity. The Global Sumud Flotilla condemned the operation as unlawful, while Israel defended it as necessary to uphold its naval blockade and prevent a breach.
- ▪Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza in international waters northwest of Crete.
- ▪All but two of the approximately 175 detained activists were released in Greece, with the remaining two taken to Israel for questioning.
- ▪The Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israel of piracy and unlawful detention, while Israel claimed the operation was lawful and peaceful.
- ▪The U.S. supported Israel's actions, calling the flotilla a political stunt, while Spain and Italy criticized Israel for violating international law.
- ▪Israeli authorities alleged the flotilla was linked to Hamas and aimed to disrupt the second phase of a Gaza peace plan.
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Israel releases all but two activists in Greece after intercepting Gaza aid flotilla13 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleElla KiplingGlobal Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERSVideo showed activists raising their hands on board one of the vessels intercepted by Israeli forcesAll but two pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli forces after their flotilla headed for Gaza was intercepted in international waters have now been released in Greece.On Thursday, around 175 activists aboard 22 boats carrying aid were seized near the island of Crete.The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) denounced the action as "piracy", saying members were seized unlawfully more than 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade.
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