Israeli forces seized 22 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece. More than 100 pro-Palestinian activists aboard these aid ships bound for Gaza were taken to the Greek island of Crete on Friday, according to flotilla organisers.
Israel stated that its navy detained 175 activists during the raid. Two of those individuals were brought back to Israel for questioning, and the Israeli foreign ministry reported that these two activists are affiliated with a US-sanctioned organisation.
Several European governments with nationals among those arrested have called on Israel to free the activists, calling the action a flagrant contravention of international law. Meanwhile, Washington backed Israeli authorities, describing the flotilla as a stunt.