Pro-Palestinian activists say 22 boats from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.

The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) denounced the action as “piracy,” saying those on board were seized unlawfully more than 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade.

Israel’s foreign ministry said about 175 activists were detained and dismissed the flotilla as a “PR stunt.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said they would be “disembarked on a Greek beach” later on Thursday.

The GSF’s data showed most of the remaining 36 boats in the flotilla were currently close to Crete’s south coast.

The flotilla set sail two weeks ago, with a total of 58 vessels joining from Spain, France and Italy, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

On Thursday, the GSF said Israeli naval forces had “intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled and destroyed various boats” in the flotilla during a “violent raid in international waters” north-west of Crete overnight.

“Over 180 civilians from around the world have been directly attacked,” it added.

“After detaining participants, smashing an engine and jamming communications, the [Israeli forces] retreated, kidnapping participants or intentionally leaving civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm.”

Israel insists its actions comply with international law.

The Israeli foreign ministry said that “due to the large numbers of vessels participating in the flotilla and the risk of escalation, and the need to prevent the breach of a lawful blockade, an early action was required.”

“The operation was carried out in international waters peacefully and without any casualties. An initial inspection of the vessels revealed materials that appear to be drugs and contraceptives,” it added.

The ministry accused the flotilla’s organisers of “joining hands” with the Palestinian armed group Hamas “with the aim of sabotaging President Trump’s [Gaza] peace plan transition to its second phase and intended to divert attention from Hamas’s refusal to disarm.”

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in a statement for “restraint and universal respect” for international law.

Greece said it had “asked Israel to withdraw its vessels from the region” and offered to receive the passengers and ensure their safe return home.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the seizure and demanded Israel immediately release “all the unlawfully detained Italians.” Italian media reported that 24 Italians had been detained.

EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni told reporters: “We reiterate our call on Israeli authorities to respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international maritime law.”

Source: BBC News