Scores of activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Crete disembarked on a Greek island on Friday, as international condemnation intensified over what was described as an act of "piracy".
An AFP journalist reported that around 175 activists were transported under Greek coast guard escort in four buses to an undisclosed town.
Israel’s foreign ministry said roughly 175 activists had been removed from more than 20 boats on Thursday, while organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla put the number at 211.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said late on Thursday, "In coordination with the Greek government, the individuals transferred from the flotilla vessels to the Israeli vessel will be disembarked on a Greek beach in the coming hours," thanking Greece "for its willingness to receive the flotilla participants".
Several European governments whose nationals were among those detained called for their immediate release and described Israel’s actions as a flagrant breach of international law.
However, the US backed Israel, with State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott calling the flotilla a "stunt".
"The United States expects all our allies...to take decisive action against this meaningless political stunt by denying port access, docking, departure and refuelling to vessels participating in the flotilla," he said.
The developments come after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla late Wednesday in international waters near Greece as it headed towards Gaza.
Turkey's foreign ministry said that Israel, by targeting the flotilla, had also targeted "humanitarian values and international law". The ministry stressed that the attack violated freedom of navigation in international waters and called for a unified international response.
The Turkish parliament explicitly described the operation as "piracy", stating: "This attack and piracy constitute a clear war crime. We warn Israel, which has exceeded all limits of human tolerance, and call on it to immediately release the detained activists and Turkish citizens."
Foreign ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan raised the issue in calls with Spanish and Greek counterparts, warning that the "illegal intervention" endangered civilians of multiple nationalities and constituted a violation of international law.
Istanbul’s public prosecutor also opened an investigation into the incident under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Turkish criminal law.
The charges include "deprivation of liberty", "hijacking and detaining means of transport", "theft", "destruction of property", and "torture".
A joint statement by the foreign ministers of 11 countries, including Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Jordan and South Africa, described the flotilla as a "peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative".
The ministers said that "Israeli attacks on the vessels and the illegal detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law".
They also expressed "deep concern for the safety of civilian activists" and urged Israel to ensure their immediate release, calling on the international community to uphold its "moral and legal obligations".
Italy also condemned the seizure of the aid ships, demanding the release of all Italians "illegally detained", while Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid in protest over the interception of a vessel carrying European citizens.
Youssef Ajjiseh, head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, said the flotilla had been subjected to "Israeli piracy in international waters 500 miles from Gaza", adding that more than 180 activists had been detained and taken to Ashdod port.
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said the attack "should shock Europe", writing: "How is it possible that Israel is allowed to attack and seize ships in international waters off the coast of Greece/Europe?"
Albanese was joined in her condemnation by UN Secretary General Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who also took aim at Israel's blockade.
"The way this operation was conducted is extremely concerning. Everyone needs to follow their obligations under international law," he told reporters.
"We don't want anyone to be harmed, but let's be frank, the solution to all this is greater humanitarian access," he added.
Organisers said the flotilla, initially comprising more than 50 boats, aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the territory, which is still besieged by Israeli forces with only small amounts of aid, well below the minimum level required for the needs of its inhabitants, allowed in.