Images circulating on social media on Friday show the arrival of participants from the Global Steadfastness Flotilla to the Greek island of Crete, following their release after being detained by Israeli naval forces in international waters while en route to Gaza.
Visible Injuries Upon Arrival in Crete
The images document activists arriving at a port in Crete under the supervision of the Greek coastguard. Several individuals appear with visible injuries and bruising, raising serious concerns about the treatment they endured during the interception.
The renewed circulation of these images has intensified scrutiny over the events that unfolded when the flotilla vessels were stopped at sea.
Interception in International Waters
Israeli naval forces intercepted several boats from the flotilla on Wednesday evening while they were sailing northwest of Crete. Dozens of activists from multiple nationalities were detained during the operation before being transferred to Greek territory. Some vessels reportedly continued their journey or managed to enter Greek territorial waters.
Turkey Moves to Repatriate Nationals
In response, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that arrangements are underway to return Turkish citizens and other activists involved in the initiative. The repatriation is expected to take place via a special flight coordinated with Turkish diplomatic missions in Athens and Crete.
Use of Force During Seizure
Organisers of the Global Steadfastness Flotilla stated that Israeli forces used force during the interception, resulting in injuries among participants. They confirmed that several individuals sustained varying degrees of harm, while some leaders remain in detention. Others were handed over to Greek authorities following their release.
Humanitarian Mission Targeted at Gaza
The flotilla departed earlier in the week from the Italian port of Sicily, with hundreds of activists from dozens of countries participating. The initiative aimed to break the blockade imposed on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
The interception in international waters has triggered international reactions and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the operation.
I am truly sorry at what Greta had to endure. I hope she is free and back home in her Sweden. She is brave, courageous and one in a million. I never quite knew, were any of them able to deliver? They made Greta kiss the Israeli flag, zthis reminds me that during the Boston Marathon recently a guy was seen to be stomping on the Israeli flag!!!!!!’ If I could Ivwould do much much worse. I pray all those great people are fine now. Israelis will never be looked upon except byHATE.Thank you all🙏👏👏👏🙏