Operation by Greek authorities to transfer to Crete the 175 activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza but intercepted by Israeli forces has been underway since Friday morning.

The activists – men and women of various nationalities, including Greeks – were transported by armored boat to Atherinolakos, where buses were waiting for them.

According to information from neakriti.gr, their final destination is Heraklion, where they will be temporarily accommodated, while then the procedures for their return to their countries of origin will be initiated.

The large-scale operation involves forces from all over Crete, with the assistance of the Coast Guard, the Greek Police and relevant services.

The communications of Gerapetritis and the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Yesterday, Thursday, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis had communications with Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, on the occasion of the operation to intercept and seize a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters off Crete by Israeli armed forces.

Specifically, according to reports, the Greek foreign minister also communicated with their counterparts from the countries where the members of the expedition were from.

In a relevant statement issued by the Greek Foreign Ministry, it is stated, among other things, that the Greek side asked Israel to withdraw its vessels from the area, while it is noted that care was taken to ensure the safe return of the passengers to their countries.

The Greek Foreign Ministry’s statement

“On the occasion of the Israeli operation on vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Crete, we call for restraint and universal respect for international law, including international law of the sea and international humanitarian law.

Greece, as a factor of stability in the region, in accordance with international law and for humanitarian reasons, asked Israel to withdraw its vessels from the region and offered its good offices by undertaking to receive the passengers on board on its territory and to ensure their safe return to their countries.

The Greek authorities are in consultation with the Israeli authorities regarding the issue of safe disembarkation in Greece. A team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is travelling to the point of arrival to coordinate the actions of all relevant Greek authorities and to cooperate with the foreign consular authorities, who are being duly informed of their own actions.”