At least seven Chilean citizens part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were detained by Israeli military forces in international waters near the coast of Crete, Greece. The interception of the humanitarian vessels, which were bound for the Gaza Strip, has prompted the Chilean Foreign Ministry to initiate consular support efforts.
According to reports from Cooperativa, journalist Macarena Chahuán is among those detained. The Chilean government, through the Undersecretariat of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that procedures are underway to monitor the situation of the nationals and ensure their physical safety.
Nelson Hadad, a former ambassador and legal representative for the Chilean delegation, stated that the situation for the participants is critical because they are being prevented from reaching their destination. As reported by La Tercera, Hadad warned that the Chileans will likely be deported, as Israeli forces are blocking the vessels from approaching the shores of Gaza.
Tensions over international law
Attorney Nelson Hadad characterized the operation as an act of "piracy," denouncing the detention as having occurred in international waters, a violation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to the former diplomat, the use of force to intercept ships traveling peacefully with supplies constitutes an international crime.
"I believe they are going to prevent them from continuing because they are going to deport them. I think that is the only clear situation, because they are not letting them approach the shores of Gaza," Hadad told La Tercera. The legal representative also criticized the Foreign Ministry's stance, calling its official statement "soft" for failing to explicitly condemn Israel's actions.
For its part, the Chilean Foreign Ministry issued a statement, cited by Cooperativa, expressing concern over the events and assuring that it is coordinating with all involved parties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to respecting international law and protecting civilian populations.
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Patricio Torres, informed the delegation that an agreement is in place to transfer the Chileans to Greece. Once in Greek territory, the detainees are expected to be deported back to Chile. However, Hadad expressed uncertainty regarding the health of the citizens, as there have been no reports regarding potential violence during the arrest.
