168 Flotilla Activists Released in Crete; 2 Taken to Israel for Questioning

The diplomatic fallout from Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla intensified on May 1. Greek Coast Guard vessels disembarked 168 of the 175 detained activists at the port of Atherinolakkos on Crete after Israeli naval forces transferred them. Two activists were separately taken to Israel for questioning: Saif Abu Keshek (suspected links to a 'terrorist organization') and Thiago Avila (suspected 'illegal activity'). Al Jazeera journalists were among those detained. The flotilla — 58+ vessels that departed Barcelona on April 12–15 — was intercepted beginning April 29–30 in international waters roughly 600 nautical miles from Gaza, the farthest IDF interception on record. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the operation a complete success: 'No ship and no Hamas supporter reached our territory. They will continue to see Gaza on YouTube.' 47 additional flotilla vessels remained at sea as of May 1.