Crete

Israel intercepts Gaza 'condom' flotilla, detaining nearly 200 activists, sparking backlash

Shir Perets discusses how Israeli officials conducted a combined operation to neutralize both the Global Sumud Flotilla itself and its explosive potential in the international narrative.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
Activist Thiago Avila, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel, sits at a magistrate's court to attend a detention extension hearing in Ashkelon, southern Israel, May 3, 2026.
This screenshot shows the still active Facebook page of Samidoun Deutschland, the German chapter of the international Palestinian-rights activists group Samidoun, on November 03, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The day before the German government announced it is banning Samidoun

Greece detains Samidoun Europe leader Mohammed Khatib, set to deport him from Crete

The Greek government arrested and detained Khatib at Heraklion Airport while he was en route to a speaking engagement in Crete.

|ByMATHILDA HELLER
Activists including Greta Thunberg, stand on a boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, as seen from the port in Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025

Gaza-bound flotilla almost 300 miles from coast of Israel

It has taken a month for the flotilla to traverse around 1,700 nautical miles of open water.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Greta Thunberg and a crew member flash victory signs from their ship, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, as they sail off Crete island, Greece, September 25, 2025.

Gaza-bound flotilla resumes journey from Crete toward Gaza

After two days anchored near Crete, the 40-vessel flotilla set sail again with Italian and Spanish warships nearby to monitor and support its passage.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Near Crete, Gaza flotilla must weigh next steps - analysis

Israel has called on the flotilla’s armada of ships to put in at Ashkelon and transfer the aid they claim to be carrying to Israeli officials.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A Palestinian flag is seen as people gather at the port of Ermoupolis before the departure of two sailing boats, Electra and Oxygen, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, on Syros island, Greece, September 14, 2025.

Wildfire on Greek island of Crete scorches forest, forces evacuation of over 1,000

Hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze that forced the evacuation of over 1,000 people on Crete island on Thursday.

JULY 3, 2025ByREUTERS
Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025

Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes Crete, Greece, GFZ says, felt in central Israel

Reports from Israelis, particularly in the center of the country, including Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, reported feeling shockwaves from the earthquake.

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
Seismic waves are seen on a screen during a demonstration of an earthquake early warning system which triggers sirens if a nationwide network of 120 seismic monitoring stations detects a strong earthquake, at the Geological Survey of Israel in Jerusalem.

Six arrested in Crete for smuggling over 40 archaeological artifacts

Recovered artifacts include Cycladic figurines, statuettes, and everyday items.

APRIL 26, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Six arrested in Crete for smuggling over 40 archaeological artifacts. Illustration

Knossos Palace breaks record with over 1 million visitors in 2024

The Palace of Knossos was at the core of the Minoan civilization that flourished in Crete.

FEBRUARY 24, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Knossos Palace breaks record with over 1 million visitors in 2024.