Two activists captured on the Gaza aid flotilla have arrived in the Netherlands after their detention by Israeli forces. Israeli forces captured the duo after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla on its mission to Gaza.
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Two Netherlands nationals return after capture by Israeli forces
Two Dutch nationals arrived in the Netherlands after being captured and detained for participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla was on a mission to deliver aid to Gaza. Organisers planned to challenge the Israeli blockade of aid into the region after direct calls for aid in Gaza.
The Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla when it was about 600 nautical miles from Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry said that its forces captured 175 activists on the fleet.
However, while the Israelis released two Dutch nationals, another duo is still held captive. Israeli forces are accusing the detained activists of assisting the enemy during wartime and providing services to a terrorist organisation. The names of the still-detained activists are Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila.
The released activists condemned the capture, citing cases of violence by the Israeli forces.
“They have been very rough against everyone actually. Part of us was really beaten and injured. Other parts were roughly handled. And other than that, our comrades are being kidnapped… We have to keep fighting for them,” said Omer Osman Tastan, one of the released activists.
The Israeli government has labelled the actions of the Global Sumud Flotilla to ship aid to Gaza as a provocation designed to draw attention from Hamas. There is a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that is about six months old.
Similarly, the US called the effort a “stunt” to distract attention from Hamas’ failure and refusal to disarm. Before the interception, the fleet noticed a plane that activists later identified as a U.S. Navy KC-130T Hercules.
Capture of aid flotilla in international waters sparks global responses
The Israeli capture of the activists in international waters has sparked responses from all over the world. Some political leaders and governments around the world have condemned the interception of the flotilla.
Moreover, in Canada, dozens of protesters gathered together to denounce Israel’s interception of the Flotilla. The protesters demanded that Canada end its support for the Israeli occupation.
Yesterday, dozens of protesters gathered in Montreal, Canada, to denounce Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessels attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.
The demonstrators later marched through the streets, calling on Canada to end its support for the… pic.twitter.com/wUpPsdnZ7C
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 4, 2026
Turkey’s foreign ministry has also said that its nationals will be repatriated alongside some activists from third countries.