After being apprehended while attempting to sail to Gaza, a number of activists have returned to their home countries and recounted instances of mistreatment by Israeli guards, which Israel refutes. During the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising 42 boats aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, around 450 activists were arrested. The activists were taken to Israel, where many are still in custody.
Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that all activists were offered voluntary deportation, and those who remain detained opted to stay for a legal deportation process. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi, upon his arrival in Rome, alleged that Israeli soldiers denied medication and treated detainees poorly, likening the treatment to that of “monkeys.”
The ministry dismissed the mistreatment claims as “brazen lies.” Notable figures among the detainees included Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and various European lawmakers. Tommasi mentioned that Thunberg was specifically targeted by Israeli forces during the arrests.
In response to the allegations, the ministry affirmed that the detainees’ legal rights were fully respected, emphasizing that Thunberg did not raise any complaints about the alleged mistreatment. The incident occurred amidst U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a new ceasefire in Gaza, with Israel purportedly accepting Trump’s proposal, and Hamas indicating acceptance of certain aspects, with negotiations scheduled in Cairo.
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, another detainee, reported being disturbed multiple times during his detention, including intimidation tactics with dogs and laser sights on guns. He also claimed that his personal belongings and money were taken by the Israeli authorities. Activist Paolo De Montis described the harsh conditions in detention, including being confined in a cramped prison van with ziptied hands and enduring constant stress and humiliation.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the treatment of the activists, labeling them as supporters of terrorism and deserving harsh conditions. He expressed pride in the conduct of staff at Ketziot prison, located in the Negev desert. The arrests garnered criticism from various governments, with Greece issuing a formal protest to Israel over the treatment of the activists.
The interception of the flotilla sparked demonstrations worldwide, with solidarity protests held in numerous cities. The Swedish Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that they were actively monitoring the situation to safeguard the rights of the detained Swedes.
