RSF Decries Israel’s Seizure of Three Journalists During Gaza Flotilla Interception

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid and activists toward Gaza, was stopped by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula. Organisers said Israel intercepted 22 of the 58 ships that set out, detaining a total of 211 people. Among those seized were Al Jazeera correspondent Hafed Mribah, Turkish cameraman Mahmut Yavuz, and U.S. journalist Alex Colston of Zeteo.

RSF posted on social media that the Israeli army “kidnapped” the three journalists in international waters. The organization stressed that Israel bears full responsibility for their safety and called on the international community to adopt a unified stance against what it described as repeated violations of international law and press‑freedom conventions.

Al Jazeera expressed deep concern for the safety of its staff, noting loss of contact with the team aboard the flotilla. The network reiterated its commitment to press freedom and urged protection for all journalists operating without obstruction.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined the criticism, accusing Israel of “once again violating international law by attacking a civilian flotilla in waters that do not belong to it.” He urged the European Union to consider freezing bilateral ties with Israel.

The interception follows a pattern of contentious engagements with aid flotillas. In October, a similar raid led to allegations of physical and psychological abuse against detained activists, claims Israel dismissed as “fake news.” A February report by the Committee to Protect Journalists documented systemic abuse of Palestinian journalists held by Israeli authorities, including beatings and administrative detention without charge.

The immediate impact is the removal of three journalists from a conflict zone and the detention of over two hundred activists and aid workers. The incident raises questions about the legality of intercepting civilian vessels in international waters and the protection afforded to journalists under international law.

What to watch next: International reactions to the detainees’ release, potential EU actions on Spain’s request, and any legal challenges to Israel’s maritime operations in non‑Israeli waters.