A Greek coastguard vessel transfers activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on international waters by the Israeli navy, at the port of Atherinolakkos, on the island of Crete, Greece, May 1, 2026.
More than 160 activists aboard vessels in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza have been taken to the Greek island of Crete after Israeli forces intercepted their ships in international waters near Greece, according to organisers of the mission.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition told Reuters that 168 crew members were transferred to Crete on Friday, while two activists remain in Israeli custody. The group also said that 22 vessels had been intercepted so far, while 47 others continued sailing in the Mediterranean.
The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud initiative that departed from Barcelona, was reportedly stopped on Wednesday when Israeli naval forces boarded the vessels using drones, communications jamming technology, and armed units, halting their progress toward Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the detained activists would be transferred to Greece.
Organisers said an Israeli naval vessel later transferred the 168 activists to Greek boats, which transported them to Crete, where they were received by emergency services.
A source familiar with the operation said the remaining vessels were continuing to sail near southern Crete with plans to anchor before proceeding toward Gaza, each carrying approximately one tonne of food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid.
A spokesperson for the flotilla, Gur Tsabar, described the interception as unlawful, alleging that the operation took place in international waters and amounted to the illegal detention of civilians. He said the mission was intended to deliver humanitarian assistance amid the crisis in Gaza.
Several governments and organisations have criticised the interception, with Turkey describing it as an “act of piracy” and accusing Israel of violating international law and humanitarian principles. Israel has defended its actions, while the United States has warned of possible consequences for those supporting the flotilla, which it characterised as aligned with Hamas.
Previous attempts by the Global Sumud Flotilla have also been intercepted, including a 2025 mission in which dozens of vessels were stopped and hundreds of activists detained before later being expelled from Israel.
