A total of 176 activists, Greeks, nationals of European Union member states and third countries, participants of the Gaza-boud “Global Sumud Flotillaaaaa’ disembarked at the port of Atherinolakko, Lasithi, on the island of Crete on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The activists were taken to Crete with an Israeli military ship that had collected them after the raid in international waters, west of Crete.
The Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement that their arrival followed consultation with the Israeli authorities adding that “31 of the people have been transferred to Sitia General hospital to receive medical care.”
Injured activists
The 31 activists were injured when Israeli forces intervened and interrupted the flotilla’s journey bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters off Crete in the early morning hours of Thursday. According to some posts on social media, some of them were beaten by the IDF.
According to local media, 29 of them have minor injuries, such as bruises and abrasions.
At the same time, three of them are considered more serious and were transferred to the University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI). These are a Colombian national with head injuries, a German who is experiencing severe dizziness and a Dutchman with facial injuries and a broken nose, for whom resuscitation has already been carried out.
Return to their countries of origin
The remaining people were transported with buses and strong police forces to Heraklion airport from where they will depart for their countries with the assistance of foreign consular authorities.
They got off the buses near the Heraklio airport and marched there, some of them even bare foot and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans.
According to officially unconfirmed reports, two activists, one Palestinian and one Brazilian national, were allegedly not allowed to disembarked and remained on board of the ship where they’re expected to be brought to Israel for interrogation.
Sailboats with activists in the bay of Ierapetra
Local media neakriti.gr reported that sailboats with activists have anchored in the bay of Ierapetra.
According to information, these boats rushed to support the flotilla, approaching from the west, from the side of Myrtos, however, the weather conditions and strong winds forced them to take refuge and anchor in the bay.
Among the sailboats in the area is reportedly a Greenpeace vessel, reinforcing the mobilization of activist organizations around the incident.
Greek Foreign Ministry statements
In light of the Israeli operation on vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, off the coast of Crete, we call for restraint and universal respect for International Law, including the International Law of the Sea and the International Humanitarian Law.
Greece, as a stabilizing factor in the region, guided by International Law and humanitarian principles, urged Israel to withdraw its vessels from the area and offered its diplomatic assistance by agreeing to host the passengers on its territory and ensure their safe return to their home countries.
The Greek Authorities are in consultation with the Israeli Authorities regarding safe disembarkation in Greece. A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is traveling to the point of arrival, to coordinate the actions of all competent Greek Authorities and to cooperate with foreign consular Authorities, which are being duly informed for their own actions. – 30. April 2026
This morning, 176 citizens of European Union member states and third countries who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla disembarked at a port in the Prefecture of Lasithi in Crete. Of these, 31 were transferred for first aid to the General Health Center of Sitia and the rest to the airport of Heraklion, from where, under the responsibility of the relevant foreign consular authorities, their gradual departure from Greece began.
The operation was coordinated by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff and the Region of Crete. At the same time, there was constant communication with foreign diplomatic missions in Greece and the competent European Authorities, while the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with his counterparts, who thanked Greece for taking this initiative.
Under extremely adverse circumstances, the Greek State responsibly undertook the humanitarian task of welcoming the participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, with exclusive concern for their safety and protection. – 1. May 2026
