THE activist-led mission attempting to sail to Gaza with humanitarian aid set sail for Turkey today, eight days after the Israeli military kidnapped some of its members in a much-criticised raid in international waters off the coast of Greece.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a collection of about 57 mostly small sailing ships, had to stop and take stock on the Greek island of Crete after the Israeli raid on April 30.

During the raid 180 members were taken to an Israeli ship, where, the flotilla activists said, many of them were subjected to beatings and torture before they were handed over to the Greek authorities.

Two men, Saif Abukeshek — a Spanish and Palestinian citizen — and Thiago Avila from Brazil were taken to Israel, where they have been held in detention on trumped-up terrorism charges.

“Saif and Thiago are both being subjected to an unlawful and politically motivated detention marked by threats, violent treatment, intimidation, and conditions that place their lives in danger,” the group warned on Thursday.

“The international community must understand the gravity of this moment. Israel is holding a Palestinian activist seized in international waters without charge, threatening his children and family, psychologically tormenting him during interrogations and allowing his health to deteriorate during a dry hunger strike.”

Today’s departure from Crete was not just a logistical milestone, GSF said, but “a profound statement of persistence.”

“Despite the illegal abduction of our comrades, the psychological warfare of the occupation and the looming presence of military surveillance and aggression, the fleet remains intact and the goal remains the same: to stand alongside the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and fundamental rights.”