Two leaders of a Gaza-bound flotilla have been brought to Israel for questioning after Israeli naval forces intercepted dozens of boats in international waters near Crete. Israel’s Foreign Ministry identified the detainees as Saif Abu Keshek, a Palestinian-Spanish activist, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, both members of the Global Sumud Flotilla steering committee.

Israeli authorities said the flotilla was attempting to breach what they described as a lawful naval blockade of Gaza and that early action was necessary to prevent escalation. The two activists will be questioned by law enforcement and are expected to receive visits from consular representatives. Around 175 other participants disembarked in Crete following the interception.

Organizers of the flotilla condemned the detentions and called for international pressure on Israel, while Spain and Brazil joined other countries in criticizing the interception as a violation of international law. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, while critics argue it collectively punishes Gaza’s civilian population amid ongoing humanitarian shortages.