GAZA/BEIRUT, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Hamas, the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Hezbollah on Thursday condemned the Israeli navy's seizure of ships from an international flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip.
In a press statement, Hamas denounced the incident as an "attack" on the Freedom Flotilla vessels, which it said took place near the coast of Crete, Greece. The group described the move as a violation of international law and called for the release of detained activists.
Hamas urged the international community to take action to ensure the safety of those on board and hold Israel accountable.
The Islamic Jihad Movement also criticized the interception, accusing Israel of breaching international law by targeting civilian vessels in international waters and detaining those on board.
Hezbollah called the Israeli seizure of vessels a "blatant violation of international law" and an act of "piracy."
In a statement, the group said the incident adds to Israel's "black record" of violations and aggression, accusing Israel of flouting international law and norms.
It urged the international community to assume their "moral, legal, and historical responsibilities," calling for immediate action to end Gaza's "unjust blockade."
Also on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that all individuals from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla would be disembarked on a Greek beach in the coming hours.
In a post on social media platform X, Sa'ar said that the operation was being carried out "in coordination" with the Greek government. He added that all participants taken off the vessels overnight by the Israeli military were "unharmed."
Earlier Thursday, Israel's Foreign Ministry said about 175 activists from more than 20 boats had been detained and were being transported to Israel.
Israeli media outlets reported on Wednesday that the Israeli navy had begun taking control of ships participating in the flotilla, which aims to challenge the naval blockade on Gaza.
According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV News, several vessels were seized and being redirected away from the area west of Crete. The report said the military was enforcing the naval blockade on Gaza and remained prepared for various scenarios.
The ships departed from Barcelona, Spain, on April 12 and arrived in Sicily on April 23, where additional vessels and activists joined.
The flotilla is part of a civil initiative launched in 2025 involving international activists seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the blockade on the enclave. ■
