Gaza aid flotilla

By Takis Tsafos

Athens (dpa) — Around 30 vessels from the flotilla seeking to bring aid to Gaza have reached Crete, tracking data showed on Friday, after Israel intercepted some of the ships earlier this week, sparking international condemnation.

Parts of the Global Sumud Flotilla have entered the bay of Ierapetra, a port town in south-eastern Crete, according to tracking site Marine Traffic and the flotilla’s online tracking tool.

It was initially unclear how long the activists would remain in Ierapetra, but Greek media reported that they have been brought to the small port of Atherinolakos on the south-eastern edge of Crete, from where they are to travel on to the island’s administrative capital Heraklion.

Dozens of vessels carrying activists from multiple countries set sail from Sicily on Sunday toward the Gaza Strip in what organizers described as the largest flotilla yet attempting to reach the embattled Palestinian territory.

Gaza aid flotilla

On Thursday, Israel said its navy had intercepted more than 20 vessels from the flotilla west of Crete, roughly 1,000 kilometres from Israel, with around 175 activists arrested. The Global Sumud Flotilla described the operation as “a violent raid in international waters.”

The move sparked strong criticism including from Germany, Italy and Spain.

Greece said it was ready to take in those arrested to enable them to travel home.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that two activists were being brought to Israel for questioning, with one man suspected of having ties to a terrorist organization. The second person is accused of carrying out “illegal activities,” the ministry said, without giving further details.

It was also unclear how they would be brought to Israel.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had previously told dpa upon request that its vessels had reached safe waters and were currently regrouping.

The group said it was fully prepared to continue its journey “to break the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.”