Israel says it's taking 2 flotilla activists back to Israel

Key Points:

• Israeli authorities intercepted a flotilla of 22 boats carrying 175 activists in international waters near Crete, aiming to break the naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, detaining two high-profile activists for questioning in Israel.
• Spain and Brazil condemned Israel's actions as illegal "kidnapping" of their citizens Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, demanding their immediate release and consular access, while accusing Israel of violating international law.
• Activists reported mistreatment by Israeli forces, including physical violence and deprivation of food and water, with dozens injured during the raid; Israel denied these allegations, stating detainees were unharmed.
• The flotilla's organizers vowed to continue their efforts to challenge the blockade, with 31 vessels still at sea, while Greece urged Israel to withdraw and offered assistance for activists' safe disembarkation.
• The U.S. government condemned the flotilla as a "pro-Hamas initiative," urging allies to deny the vessels port access and labeling the mission a political stunt, amid ongoing international protests supporting the activists.