A group of 161 activists from 16 European countries, including Greek and Swedish nationals, arrived in Athens after being expelled by Israel for participating in a Gaza aid flotilla. The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade and delivering aid to Gaza, was intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Upon arrival in Athens, activists displayed a large Palestinian flag and chanted slogans supporting Palestine. Israeli authorities claim the flotilla violated a prohibited zone and that no humanitarian aid was found on board, with over 470 people initially arrested and 138 still detained in Israel.