Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Crete on Thursday. Around 175 activists were taken off more than 20 boats and escorted by Greek coast guards to an undisclosed town on Friday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed the coordinated disembarkation in Greece, thanking Athens for its cooperation. The Greek foreign ministry called for restraint and respect for international law.
Several European governments condemned the interception, calling it a violation of international law. Washington, however, backed Israel, with US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott dismissing the flotilla as a "meaningless political stunt."
The flotilla, initially comprising over 50 boats, aimed to break the Gaza blockade and deliver humanitarian aid, despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since October.