Journalists΄ Unions condemn attack on Global Sumud Flotilla

The Panhellenic Federation of Journalists’ Unions (POESY), in a statement on 28/09/25 regarding the endangerment of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet from an attack with flash-bang drones on 24/09/25 off the coast of Crete, issued a notice highlighting the need for enhanced security to prevent the recurrence of dangerous incidents for civilians, including Greek journalists participating in the peaceful humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Following the attack by Israeli forces, we appeal to the Greek government for the safe return of all detainees to the country and express our full solidarity with the Palestinian people. We fully endorse the statements of our member unions that follow.

We condemn the attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla

The Board of Directors of ESIEA condemns the attack by Israeli forces on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We call on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of civilians, among whom are members of Greek and European journalists’ organisations. We support the international demand for the lifting of the Gaza blockade and free access for humanitarian aid. We appeal for the protection of all people on board the ships. According to initial reports, members of the Greek mission are being detained by the Israeli army. We appeal to the Greek government to take the necessary measures to ensure their safety and secure return to the country.

Greek journalists express their solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people.

The Board of Directors of ESIEA

Two members of ESIEM-Thrace on a flotilla ship that was intercepted – Union calls for every precaution for their safety

The Board of the Union of Journalists of Macedonia-Thrace is closely monitoring developments regarding the interception of Greek ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters, as two of its members, Babis Bikas and Marina Meidani, were on one of these ships.

ESHEM-Thrace has made all necessary communications with the competent Greek authorities to ensure the safety of its members and to guarantee legality in the further actions required to end their detention.

The participation of Greek and other European journalists in the flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza carries strong symbolic importance against the blockade of information and the hundreds of journalist killings in the region, condemned by the international community.

ESIEM-Thrace expresses support for the two colleagues and calls on the Greek government to exhaust every means to ensure their safe return, as well as the safe return of all aboard the Greek flotilla ships.

The Board of Directors of ESIEM-Thrace

We condemn the detention of journalists on a mission to Gaza

The Union of Magazine and Online Press Journalists expresses strong concern and condemnation of the Israeli attack on ships carrying international journalists destined for the Gaza Strip, covering the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis unfolding in the region.

Recent developments concern the Israeli forces’ boarding of the Greek ship OXYGONO, detaining and transferring the crew “to an unknown location against their will.” There may also have been Israeli intervention on three other Greek mission ships with which contact was lost: Vangelis Pissias, Ahed Tamimi, and Pavlos Fyssas.

Journalists have a fundamental right — and duty — to enter crisis areas, record events, and inform the global public with accuracy, independence, and impartiality. Targeting and obstructing this mission by detaining journalists not only violates basic principles of international law but also directly attacks press freedom.

ESPIET calls on:

• The authorities responsible for these actions to respect journalists’ right to free access and movement.

• The International and European Federations of Journalists, the international community, and press freedom organisations to take action to protect colleagues on assignment.

ESPIET is closely monitoring these dramatic developments and will continue to defend by all means the right of media professionals to perform their work without interference, threats, or violence.

Press freedom cannot be obstructed, silenced, or detained.

The Board of Directors of ESPIET