Stories from Heraklion · Greece

More than 112 Palestinian nationals aboard aid ships destined for Gaza were transferred to Crete after being intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece.

Israeli officials are preventing access to the Ateri Olocosso seaport in Crete to conduct an operation away from public view. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Israeli government suspects a detained Palestinian of criminal activities. The Portuguese government has summoned the Israeli ambassador to Lisbon to discuss the status of at least three Portuguese citizens on the flotilla. Diplomatic protection had been activated preventively and is now active in both relevant capitals. A total of 175 activists from the International Flotilla to Gaza were disembarked at the port of Heraklion in Crete. The group, which includes Greek nationals, has been transferred to Heraklion for temporary accommodation. Hundreds of activists participating in the Gaza flotilla have disembarked on the island.

Turkish activists Fatma Zengim and Ömer Aslan are positioned near the Crete islands to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkish activists involved in a raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla have been detained. The Athens administration stated that Israel did not provide prior notification regarding the raid on the flotilla. Israeli forces intercepted 21 boats from the Sumut Flotilla approximately 600 miles from Gaza near the island of Crete. According to the source, 17 boats successfully entered Greek territorial waters before the interception. Activists will be taken to Greece rather than Israel, with the number of detainees estimated between 175 and 211. Greece stated it will ensure the safe return of the individuals to their home countries. Flotilla organizers claim Israeli forces stormed 22 boats in violation of international law while activists attempted to break the Gaza blockade.

A Chilean woman detained by Israel is scheduled to be transferred to Greece. The woman reportedly spent several hours without communication following her detention.

Nearly 200 people are expected to be released in Greece following an agreement between Israel and Greece. The Chilean government has reached an agreement to facilitate the transfer of Chilean citizens currently held in Greece. Once transferred to Greece, the individuals will begin the formal deportation process. Consular officials are working to assist citizens in difficult situations as part of a constitutional mandate. The Chilean government has been actively managing the issue to facilitate these transfers. The activists were detained after Israel intercepted a flotilla of 50 vessels carrying aid to Gaza. The flotilla reportedly set out from Spain, and the US stated that allies should have blocked the mission. A rally was held in Istanbul, Turkey, to protest the Israeli military's seizure of aid ships heading for Gaza.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that Israel withdraw its vessels from international waters near Crete. The request follows an Israeli operation targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla near the Greek island of Crete. Most boats that avoided the blockade sought refuge in Greek territorial waters to find protection from the Hellenic naval forces. More than 200 people were arrested during the operation. Spain has issued a sharp condemnation of the action. President Trump warned other nations not to support the Gaza flotilla. The Israeli Navy intercepted 21 out of 58 ships belonging to a flotilla supporting Gaza. The Ministry also stated it would receive any detainees on Greek soil and ensure their safe return to their home countries. The fleet included 345 activists from 39 different countries, including participants from the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Chile, and New Zealand. The health status of the activists remains unconfirmed.

The name of Major William Martin appeared on published lists of officers. The documents suggest that correspondence was read and that a hook was used. The source noted that names of other officers were also present on these lists.

A British officer's body was recovered near Crete after being discovered by a Spanish fisherman. The source noted the presence of a strong odor during the process. High temperatures and decomposition made the examination difficult, according to the report.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that 175 people on the vessel Tin Chin will be brought to safety and landed on a Greek island beach. The current condition of these individuals is unknown. Navigation toward Gaza is expected to continue despite the incident.