Greece Gaza aid flotilla docks unplanned on Crete

Around 30 boats of the so-called "Global Sumud Flotilla" with Gaza relief supplies have arrived in the port of Ierapetra in south-eastern Crete. The organizers had previously told dpa that the flotilla had reached safe waters and was currently regrouping. It was fully prepared to continue its journey "to break the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip", it said.

Keystone-SDA

01.05.2026, 12:07

SDA

Data from an online tracker provided by the flotilla's initiators and the Marine Traffic ship tracking system also show that parts of the flotilla have entered the Bay of Ierapetra. It was initially unclear how long the flotilla of activists would remain in Ierapetra.

Two activists are to be taken to Israel for questioning

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry said that two of the activists would be taken to Israel for questioning. One man is suspected of having links to a terrorist organization. Another was accused of "illegal activities" by the Foreign Ministry. No details of the accusations were initially given in either case. Exactly how both are to be brought to Israel also remained unclear for the time being.

On Thursday night, the Israeli navy intercepted more than 20 ships of the "Global Sumud Flotilla" and, according to its own information, arrested 175 people. Greece declared its willingness to take in the people arrested by the Israeli navy and allow them to return to their countries of origin. Greek media reported unanimously that these people were taken to the small port of Atherinolakos in the extreme south-east of Crete on Friday. They were then to travel to the Cretan port city of Heraklion.

The Israeli action against the international ship convoy carrying Gaza aid in the Mediterranean caused great concern in Berlin and Rome. A joint statement suggests that the two governments believe that stopping the flotilla in international waters may not be compatible with international law. Israel, on the other hand, emphasizes that the action against the activists is in accordance with international law.