Overview
International activists, journalists, and lawyers deported from Israel after taking part in the 16-year maritime blockade of Gaza have reported alleged abuse during detention. The Global Sumud flotilla and associated passengers were intercepted by Israeli forces last week as they sought to challenge the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. While Israel has denied the claims, witnesses and some diplomats have provided accounts of brutal treatment in custody.
Accounts of mistreatment
Several detainees described a harsh first impression of detention, including sleep and medication deprivation, physical beatings, and the presence of armed guards:
- Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi said he was beaten from entry to release, with blows to the back and head while guards allegedly laughed at detainees who did not comply with directions.
- Spanish activist and lawyer Rafael Borrego reported that once a detainee asked for a police officer, larger groups of armed personnel entered cells, pointed rifles at heads, unleashed dogs, and dragged inmates to the floor.
- Other witnesses described being required to sleep on the floor, having access to water and medicine restricted, and being shown footage of Hamas attacks as a form of psychological pressure.
Some detainees also claimed their symbols of identity, such as keffiyehs, were removed or disparaged in the course of custody, and that conditions included a lack of timely medical care for participants with urgent needs.
<h3 Greta Thunberg and singled-out treatment?
Several flotilla members, including Greta Thunberg, were noted by witnesses as experiencing what others described as harsher handling. An Italian journalist who observed the detention said Thunberg appeared visibly shaken, with reports of a flag-draping incident and smartphone photos taken by security personnel. Swedish and other national officials have cited reports of forced activities and poor conditions such as crowded cells and limited food and water, though not all details have been independently verified.
Official responses and diplomatic context
Israel’s foreign ministry has rejected the allegations as “brazen lies,” stating that detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld. The government has characterized the operation as a routine interception of a humanitarian flotilla violating the blockade. Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the conduct of staff at Ketziot prison, saying the authorities should be able to convey the consequences of approaching Israeli borders again.
In contrast, the Greek government and other international voices have pressed for prompt repatriation and a thorough review of detention conditions. Greece’s foreign ministry issued a formal protest and called for timely procedures to return citizens involved, while some families reported concerns about physicians’ access, water, and overall welfare during detention.
What’s next for detainees and the flotilla movement
Israel has been deporting hundreds of detainees from the flotilla. As several participants prepare to depart to Athens and other destinations, a new flotilla has gathered momentum, setting course toward Gaza with doctors, nurses, and journalists aboard a vessel converted into a mobile hospital. The evolving flotilla movement continues to provoke debate over regional security, humanitarian access, and the rights of activists at sea.
What observers are saying
Human rights advocates and independent journalists emphasize the importance of credible, transparent investigations into any claims of abuse. They urge authorities to provide access to medical care, maintain safe detention conditions, and allow independent observers to assess the treatment of detainees. The incident underscores the broader tension between humanitarian maritime initiatives and security policies in the region.
