Greece played no role in the Israeli military’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza Strip, and no Israeli vessels involved in the operation docked at a Greek port, the Greek Foreign Ministry has said.

The flotilla, which departed from Spain, was intercepted by Israeli military ships on April 30 in international waters northwest of Crete. More than 170 activists were removed from the vessels and later transferred to Greek authorities.

Speaking during a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou said communication with Israel concerned only the disembarkation in Greece of the 176 people aboard the flotilla following the interception

“Greece acted on the basis of the rules of the Law of the Sea,” Zochiou said, adding that there had been “no prior coordination with Israel regarding the operations.”

She said Greece undertook “the humanitarian task” of receiving those on board under difficult conditions, with the aim of preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of the passengers before they returned to their home countries.

According to Zochiou, the Israeli vessel involved did not dock at a Greek port. Instead, those aboard were brought ashore using vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard.

“For humanitarian reasons, Greece offered to allow the 176 citizens to disembark on its territory and ensured their return to their countries,” she said.

Asked about the possibility of a future visit by Donald Trump to Greece, Zochiou said no official arrangements had been made.

“Obviously, a positive attitude and the intention for a visit by the US president to Greece has been expressed. But for the moment, that is where matters stand,” she said.

On Tuesday, the US ambassador to Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle, said she expected Trump to visit Greece but did not specify when it could happen.

Source: Ekathimerini.com