Israel: 27 Greeks Held After Global Sumud Flotilla Raid – Deportation Planned

Over 400 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, were arrested early Thursday (02.10.2025) following an Israeli military raid on 44 vessels. Among those detained are 27 Greeks aboard four ships approaching Gaza. The group includes Greek MP Peti Perka, who posted a video on social media as Israeli warships approached. The Greeks are being held in southern Israel, with 11 already on hunger strike. Their phones have been confiscated, and identification procedures are underway, with half of their details reportedly known to Israeli authorities. In a statement, the Greek delegation declared: “Following our illegal detention by Israeli authorities, we are launching a hunger strike. This is not a personal choice, but a collective stance against the crimes committed against the Palestinian people and the ongoing violation of international law.” According to Mega, Greece’s ambassador to Israel arrived Friday morning (03.10.2025) in Ashdod, where the detainees are held. Olga Lafazani, spokesperson for the Greek contingent, said: “The pirate state of Israel has seized nearly all our ships—43 vessels—and illegally abducted all mission members from international waters. When Israeli forces attack, they cut off all communication, isolating people from their loved ones.” Relatives and friends gathered Thursday night outside Greece’s Foreign Ministry, anxiously awaiting news. Contact was lost with the ship ‘Pavlos Fyssas’ at 4:22 a.m., followed by ‘Vaggelis Pissias’ at 4:56 a.m., ‘Achmed Tamine’ at 5:08 a.m., and at 6:23 a.m., Israeli forces took control of the ‘Oxygen,’ just 40 miles from Gaza’s coast. Prior warnings urged vessels to change course: “This is the Israeli Navy. You are approaching a restricted zone. To deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, use official channels. Divert to Ashdod.” Most of the 44 flotilla vessels were intercepted just miles from Gaza. Among the detained is Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Tel Aviv plans administrative deportations over the weekend, aiming to complete some legal proceedings within 24 hours post-identification. Meanwhile, the final vessel, ‘Marinette,’ was intercepted today.