Cypriot authorities allegedly detained and subsequently expelled four German activists bound for Gaza, forcing their humanitarian vessel to divert to Turkey after questioning their documentation and threatening arrest, according to the Italian Il Manifesto news outlet.
The account was first reported by Cyprus-based Italian journalist Massimiliano Sfregola.
The activists were intercepted near Coral Bay in Paphos on 12 September whilst carrying medical supplies and food intended for people in Gaza.
“Tomorrow morning we will escort you 12 nautical miles from the coast to ensure you don’t head towards Gaza. Then you’ll go west, away from Cyprus. Agreed?” an official told the group in English with a Cypriot accent, according to video footage circulated on social media by the activists.
Activists questioned over documents and medical supplies
According to Il Manifesto, Alex, a Berlin-based activist of Ecuadorian origin, said authorities questioned the group’s German citizenship documents despite their legal status.
“I was born in Ecuador but have German citizenship. For the police, however, my documents weren’t in order,” Alex told reporters from the vessel’s current location in Alanya, Turkey.
Cyprus port police also challenged the boat’s documentation, despite the vessel being legally purchased by the captain specifically for the Gaza mission, Alex told Il Manifesto.
Officials initially boarded the vessel without authorisation before the captain granted permission for a search, Alex said. Authorities attempted to confiscate medical supplies destined for Gaza but abandoned the effort due to lack of legal grounds.
Cyprus authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
Vessel diverted to Turkey
After holding the vessel overnight in Paphos under seizure orders, coast guard officers released the activists on 13 September under strict conditions prohibiting any approach to Gaza.
“We were surrounded by many agents. We have no idea who they were or why they wouldn’t let us sail,” Alex said. “They didn’t want us to film them and simply told us: if you go towards Gaza you’ll be arrested.”
The authorities instructed the group to refuel and gather provisions before departing Cyprus immediately, forcing them to redirect to Turkey.
The activists had originally planned to remain in Cyprus for several days for technical reasons and crew changes before continuing their journey as part of the broader Global Sumud Flotilla initiative.
The vessel successfully reached Alanya, Turkey, after issuing appeals through social media for a safe harbour.
The activists originally departed Germany and embarked from Rhodes carrying food and medical supplies for Gaza.
(File photo)
