This morning, 176 citizens of European Union Member States and third countries participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla disembarked at a port in the Regional Unit of Lasithi, Crete. Of these, 31 were transferred to the General Hospital–Health Center of Sitia for first aid, while the remainder were taken to Heraklion Airport, from where their gradual departure from Greece began under the responsibility of their respective consular authorities.
The operation was coordinated by the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, and the Region of Crete. In addition, there was constant communication with foreign diplomatic missions in Greece and the competent European authorities, while the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs held discussions with counterparts, who thanked Greece for undertaking this initiative.
Under exceptionally adverse conditions, the Greek State responsibly carried out the humanitarian task of receiving the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, with their safety and protection as its sole priority.
May 1, 2026