Israeli forces intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla vessels near Crete and detained about 175 activists, with later reporting saying they would be taken ashore in Greece.
Israeli forces intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla vessels near Crete in international waters and detained about 175 activists from more than 20 boats, according to Israeli officials and multiple news reports.
The flotilla said several vessels were boarded overnight, communications were disrupted and some boats were disabled. Activists said they were trying to reach Gaza with aid, while Israel said it was enforcing a lawful blockade.
Euronews later reported that Israel's foreign minister said the detainees would be brought ashore in Greece in coordination with Greek authorities, revising earlier reporting that the activists were being transferred to Israel.
The conflicting destination reports underline how fluid the operation remains. What is firmly confirmed is that the interception happened near Crete, a large number of activists were detained and the boats were stopped before reaching Gaza.
The next questions are how many vessels are still at sea, whether all detainees are now being processed in Greece, and whether any further official statement changes the legal framing of the operation.
Revision note
Updated with revised transfer destination and official confirmation.