Mamdani calls on Israel to release captured Gaza flotilla activists
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging Israel to release activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. The flotilla, carrying around 175 activists from Barcelona, aimed to challenge the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid, but was intercepted near Crete. While most detainees have been freed, two remain in custody, and the incident has drawn international reactions, including condemnation from some European leaders and support from the U.S. Board of Peace.
- ▪Israeli forces intercepted over 20 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying about 175 activists near Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.
- ▪New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the interception a 'brazen violation of international law' and demanded the release of detained New Yorkers.
- ▪Two activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, remain in Israeli custody on suspicion of terrorist affiliation and illegal activity, respectively.
- ▪Israel stated the operation was peaceful and necessary to enforce its naval blockade on Gaza, which it considers lawful.
- ▪Protests erupted in Rome, Istanbul, and Athens, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Israel's actions.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is calling for the release of activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla. Israeli forces boarded more than 20 vessels carrying about 175 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea near Crete. The group had sailed from Barcelona, Spain, earlier this month, aiming to challenge the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Several New Yorkers were among those detained, according to Mamdani. Recommended Stories Israel intercepts flotilla headed to Gaza Starmer promises to prosecute ‘globalize the intifada’ chants after stabbing of British Jews After seven years, the first commercial flight from US to Venezuela takes off “My team has been in direct contact … to confirm the whereabouts and conditions of these…
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