Hungarian activist Richárd among detainees after Israel intercepts Global Sumud flotilla near Crete – VIDEO, UPDATE

A Hungarian citizen, Walter Richard, was among activists detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud (Szumud) humanitarian flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea, organisers and multiple international reports said. The vessels were stopped in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, far from Gaza, during a night-time operation that has drawn sharp criticism from flotilla organisers and concern from the United Nations.

Richard was travelling as part of a campaign that organisers describe as a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering supplies to Gaza and challenging Israel’s long-running naval blockade. Activists said communications were disrupted and contact with at least some boats was lost after the interception.

What happened at sea

According to Reuters, the flotilla set off from Barcelona on 12 April and was intercepted in international waters off Greece. Footage released by organisers showed Israeli soldiers boarding vessels and detaining people on board.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said naval forces intercepted and seized more than 20 boats and detained around 175 activists, while flotilla organisers described the action as “piracy” and a violation of international law.

Separately, Anadolu quoted a representative of the organising committee claiming more than 180 activists were detained and taken to the port of Ashdod in Israel, and accusing Israeli forces of jamming communications and disabling vessels.

Because accounts differ on the exact number of vessels and detainees, and because claims about the use of force and damage to ships are contested, the precise sequence of events remains unclear from publicly available information.

UN concern and competing legal claims

According to Anadolu, the United Nations (UN) described Israel’s interception of the flotilla as “extremely concerning” and urged all parties to comply with international law and allow greater humanitarian access.

Israel has defended the interception as lawful enforcement of a naval blockade, while flotilla organisers argue the stop took place in international waters and violates freedom of navigation.

Who is Richárd Walter?

According to Blikk, Richárd Walter is a Hungarian activist participating in the Global Sumud initiative. Organisers say his purpose in joining was to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and to draw attention to the humanitarian situation there.

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Budapest reaction

Organisers in Hungary said a protest was held in Budapest outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, calling on the Hungarian government to make contact with Israeli authorities and seek Richard’s release. They said further actions could follow if he is not freed.

According to his family and supporters, they are organizing another protest for Richárd tonight.

Background: why flotillas are politically sensitive

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, saying it is intended to prevent weapons reaching Hamas, while aid groups and critics argue it has contributed to severe humanitarian suffering in the enclave.

Attempts by activist groups to reach Gaza by sea have repeatedly triggered confrontations with Israeli forces, and the Global Sumud mission has been framed by organisers as one of the largest such efforts in terms of participating vessels and countries represented.

What to watch next

Key immediate questions include:

• whether detainees (including Walter Richard) are granted prompt consular access and legal representation
• whether Israel proceeds with deportations or prosecutions
• whether Hungary’s foreign ministry issues a formal statement or confirms any diplomatic steps
• whether the UN and European governments take further action following the interception

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Update: Israel says blockade is “lawful”, detainees to be landed in Greece

In a statement posted on X by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Israel said it has “successfully prevented” attempts to breach what it described as Gaza’s lawful maritime blockade, including during last night’s operation. Israel also said all participants removed from the vessels were taken off unharmed.

According to the statement, and in coordination with the Greek government, those transferred from the flotilla vessels to an Israeli ship are expected to be brought ashore on the Greek coast in the coming hours. Sa’ar thanked Greece for its willingness to receive the flotilla participants.

He also called on those seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through the BOP, which he said also issued a statement on the matter, and reiterated that Israel will not allow attempts to breach the maritime blockade.