Madrid — The Spanish government has urgently summoned the top representative of Israel’s embassy in Spain following the arrest of activists aboard the Global Sumud flotilla, which included around 30 Spanish nationals. The move marks a sharp diplomatic response after Israeli forces intercepted multiple vessels bound for Gaza.
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According to sources from Spain’s Foreign Ministry, led by José Manuel Albares, the government conveyed its “strongest condemnation” over the incident. Spanish embassies and consulates in Israel and the surrounding region, along with the Consular Emergency Unit, are currently active and in contact with flotilla organizers. Albares is also coordinating with counterparts from other countries whose citizens were detained.
Interception in International Waters
Israeli forces detained approximately 175 activists of various nationalities while they were sailing toward Gaza. A total of 22 vessels were intercepted near waters between mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, and the island of Crete.
The flotilla, organized under the Global Sumud Flotilla, had departed from Barcelona on April 15 with 58 boats carrying humanitarian aid intended for the Gaza Strip. After stopping in southern Italy, the convoy resumed its journey before being intercepted early Thursday morning.
Spanish Activists and Calls for Protest
Sources from the flotilla indicate that around 20 of the detained Spaniards reside in Catalonia. Among those who managed to avoid detention is former mayor Laura Campos, who said in a video that her vessel had reached Greek waters.
Campos urged public mobilization, describing the operation as an “illegal kidnapping” and calling for demonstrations across Spain. Protests have been announced in Barcelona’s Sants district, in front of city halls nationwide, and outside the Foreign Ministry in Madrid.
Another Spanish participant, firefighter Pau Pérez, reported that crews spent the night attempting to evade Israeli vessels. “We don’t know where they have taken them,” he said, calling for public demonstrations to demand their release.
Political Reactions and International Criticism
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the operation, stating that Israel had once again violated international law by intercepting a civilian flotilla in waters “that do not belong to it.” He called on the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel and demand compliance with maritime law.
Catalan regional president Salvador Illa also criticized the interception, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to international law. The Catalan Parliament and Barcelona City Council issued similar condemnations, demanding the release of detained activists.
Meanwhile, coalition partners of the Spanish government, including the political platform Sumar, have requested Albares appear before Congress to outline measures to protect those involved and respond to what they described as an “illegal attack.”
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Debate
The Israeli government defended its actions, arguing that the flotilla aimed to break what it considers a lawful blockade of Gaza and disrupt ongoing peace efforts. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the operation was conducted “peacefully and without injuries,” and that participants would be returned to their countries.
However, flotilla organizers claim Israeli forces disabled vessels, pointed weapons at participants, and left crews in dangerous conditions amid an approaching storm. They also alleged that communications were jammed during the operation.
Greek authorities confirmed they did not intervene, stating they lack jurisdiction in international waters except for search-and-rescue missions.
What Comes Next
Some reports suggest detainees may be transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod before deportation, while other sources indicate possible disembarkation in Greece. As uncertainty continues, the incident has intensified diplomatic tensions and reignited debate over maritime law, humanitarian access to Gaza, and the limits of international enforcement at sea.
