Israeli detained Flotilla activists begin repatriation from Greece

Mostof the176 activists of the Flotilla Global Sumud who have been detained by Israeli forces in international waters arrived this Friday at Crete International Airport, from where their repatriation began, according to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After arriving on an Israeli military ship, 31 activists have been taken to a health centre, while the rest have been taken to Heraklion airport to leave Greece gradually under the responsibility of the consular authorities. The Greek Government has taken over the reception of citizens of the European Union and other countries as humanitarian work.

The activists landed in eastern Crete after intercepting 22 of the 58 ships of the fleet. When they were taken to the airport, they travelled the last few miles on foot under escort, some of them barefoot and shouting for Palestine, while the villagers supported them.

According to several witnesses and reports, some activists were injured and bruised. The organization has reported that when they were held on an Israeli ship they were beaten and mistreated. Among the seriously injured are a Colombian with skull injuries, a German with medical problems and a Dutch, some of whom have already been discharged.

Israel is holding two activists, the Spanish of Palestinian origin Saif Abukesh and the Brazilian Thiago Ávila. The governments of Spain and Brazil have called for their immediate release, which they have described as an "attack on international law". Israel accuses the former of maintaining funding ties with Hamas and the latter of supporting this militia.

Meanwhile, some of the uncaptured ships are anchored on the east coast of Crete.