Spain confirms Gaza flotilla prisoner release as final detainees freed
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Spain confirms the Gaza flotilla prisoner release after "Israel" freed the final five Spanish detainees held for attempting to deliver aid to besieged Gaza.
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Diego Vazquez Galindo, from Mexico, who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, is welcomed home after landing at the Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Spain has confirmed the completion of the Gaza flotilla prisoner release, after "Israel" freed the last five Spanish nationals detained for attempting to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
According to sources at Spain's foreign ministry on Sunday, the remaining five Spaniards were on their way home after being held in "Israel" following the interception of two flotillas in international waters earlier this month.
The detainees were part of a larger group of pro-Palestine activists and humanitarian volunteers aboard two flotillas aiming to break the blockade imposed by "Israel" on Gaza. The United Nations has declared a famine in Gaza following two years of unrelenting conflict and siege.
Among those released was a participant from the first flotilla, who had initially been excluded from earlier releases over an alleged altercation with a prison officer.
"There are no more Spaniards from the flotilla detained in 'Israel'," the Spanish foreign ministry sources confirmed.
Nearly 50 other Spanish citizens involved in the Gaza flotilla effort had returned to Spain earlier in the week.
Read more: Gaza recovers 200 martyrs from under the rubble, 20,000 remain missing
International activists, including Greta Thunberg, among detainees
The flotillas carried dozens of activists of various nationalities, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Their detention by "Israel" prompted widespread demonstrations across Europe, with calls for immediate release and condemnation of the blockade on Palestine.
The mission had sought to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and directly challenge the ongoing siege.
Several of the released pro-Palestine activists have alleged mistreatment during their detention, including poor conditions and aggressive handling. "Israeli" authorities have denied the claims.
The blockade of Gaza, which has lasted for years, has drawn growing criticism amid reports of mass displacement, starvation, and infrastructure collapse.
