Gaza Flotilla Activists Flown Home From Crete After Israel Forces Them Off Ships in Mediterranean

Pro-Palestinian activists intercepted by Israeli naval forces in the Mediterranean have begun flying home from Crete after Greece took in 176 people forcibly removed from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Greek Foreign Ministry has said..

Israeli military

The vessels had departed from Barcelona earlier this month. More than 170 activists were forcibly removed from the ships by Israeli forces.

Greece transported the activists to Crete, where 31 were taken to hospital in Siteia for first aid. The remainder were transferred to Heraklion airport, where departures to their home countries began.

Activists have accused Israeli forces of assault during the interception.

Athens said it had "responsibly undertaken — under highly adverse conditions — the humanitarian task of receiving them with its sole consideration being their safety and protection." Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis spoke with counterparts from the countries involved to coordinate the response.

The operation drew immediate diplomatic reaction. Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed 30 Spanish nationals had arrived in Crete but said one man, Saif Abu Keshek, had been "illegally" arrested and taken to Israel. "We demand his immediate release," Mr. Albares said.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said Mr. Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization and would be taken to Israel for questioning along with a second activist.

"Israel will not allow the breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza," it said.

Germany and Italy said they were monitoring developments with deep concern.

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Pro-Palestinian activists intercepted by Israeli naval forces in the Mediterranean have begun flying home from Crete after Greece took in 176 people forcibly removed from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Greek Foreign Ministry has said..

Israeli military ships stopped the flotilla early Thursday as it attempted to carry humanitarian aid to Gaza in breach of Israel's naval blockade.

The vessels had departed from Barcelona earlier this month. More than 170 activists were forcibly removed from the ships by Israeli forces.

Greece transported the activists to Crete, where 31 were taken to hospital in Siteia for first aid. The remainder were transferred to Heraklion airport, where departures to their home countries began.

Activists have accused Israeli forces of assault during the interception.

Athens said it had "responsibly undertaken — under highly adverse conditions — the humanitarian task of receiving them with its sole consideration being their safety and protection." Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis spoke with counterparts from the countries involved to coordinate the response.

The operation drew immediate diplomatic reaction. Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed 30 Spanish nationals had arrived in Crete but said one man, Saif Abu Keshek, had been "illegally" arrested and taken to Israel. "We demand his immediate release," Mr. Albares said.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said Mr. Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization and would be taken to Israel for questioning along with a second activist.

"Israel will not allow the breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza," it said.

Germany and Italy said they were monitoring developments with deep concern.

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