Israeli forces intercept Global Sumud aid flotilla near Greece

On April 30 and May 1, 2026, Israeli naval forces intercepted the 'Global Sumud Flotilla' in international waters near the Peloponnese and Crete. The flotilla, which had departed from ports including Barcelona, Marseille, and Syracuse, aimed to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Greek authorities confirmed that 176 activists were transported to a port in the Lasithi regional unit of Crete on May 1. While the majority of participants were transferred to Heraklion airport for repatriation, Israeli authorities detained two individuals: Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila. Israel's Foreign Ministry alleged that Abu Keshek has ties to a terrorist organization, while Avila is suspected of illegal activities, describing the event as a provocation serving PR interests. Conversely, organizers condemned the interception as an act of piracy and alleged that participants were denied adequate food and water. Several countries, including Spain and Italy, have engaged with Israel regarding their respective detained citizens.