Several activists deported from Israel after joining the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza have accused Israeli authorities of severe mistreatment, including harassment, food deprivation, and humiliation during their detention. The flotilla, which aimed to break the Gaza naval blockade and deliver symbolic aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces between Wednesday and Friday. Around 450 participants were detained, triggering international outrage and protests in multiple countries.
Italian activist Cesare Tofani told reporters in Rome that detainees faced “constant harassment” from both the army and police. Journalist Saverio Tommasi said Israeli soldiers treated them “like monkeys” and denied access to medicine. Another participant, Yassine Lafram, said weapons were pointed at them, calling the treatment “unacceptable for a democratic country.”
Lorenzo D’Agostino, an Italian journalist deported to Istanbul, said detainees were terrorized with dogs and laser sights. “We were forced to kneel for four hours. When I looked up, a soldier slapped me on the head,” he said.
Malaysian singers and sisters Heliza and Hazwani Helmi described the conditions as “brutal.” Hazwani said detainees were forced to drink from toilets and denied medical care. “They are very cruel people,” she told Anadolu Agency. Heliza added, “I didn’t eat for three days—only drank toilet water.”
Other activists claimed that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined the flotilla, was “dragged on the ground” and “forced to kiss the Israeli flag.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations as “brazen lies,” saying all detainees’ rights were protected. However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appeared to confirm the harsh treatment, saying he was “proud” of it. “Anyone who supports terrorists deserves the same conditions as terrorists,” he said, mocking the detainees in a video shared online.
The incident has drawn global condemnation. Pakistan, Turkiye, Colombia, and Greece lodged formal protests, while demonstrations erupted across several countries. Israel confirmed on Sunday that it had deported 29 more activists, with many others still in custody.
