Web Desk; International activists deported from Israel after participating in the Gaza aid flotilla have provided further testimonies of mistreatment during their detention, intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s actions.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying around 450 participants, was intercepted between Wednesday and Friday by Israeli forces while attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid.
The activists, including well-known figures like Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers, were arrested and detained.
Upon his arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Italian activist Cesare Tofani described the ordeal as “terrible”, recounting harassment by both the army and police.
Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said in Milan that Israeli forces treated them violently, pointing weapons at them in ways he called “unacceptable for a democratic country.”
Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi stated that soldiers withheld medicines and treated detainees “like monkeys,” mocking them to humiliate and ridicule them.
Another journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, said his belongings and money were stolen, and described Israeli soldiers intimidating detainees with dogs and gun lasers.
Paolo De Montis recalled being held in a prison van for hours with his hands tied, forced to keep his head down, slapped when he looked up, and made to kneel for four hours. Malaysian singers and sisters Heliza and Hazwani Helmi recounted “brutal” treatment, describing how detainees were forced to drink toilet water.
Hazwani said sick detainees were ignored, while Heliza reported going three days without food.
Earlier, activists said Greta Thunberg had been dragged, forced to kiss the Israeli flag, and used for propaganda.
Israel’s response to the allegations was mixed. The Foreign Ministry denied all claims, calling them “brazen lies,” asserting that detainees’ legal rights were respected. In contrast, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the harsh treatment, saying the activists were “terror supporters” who deserved the conditions of Ketziot prison.
He taunted them on camera, declaring they should “think twice before approaching Israel again.”
The arrests and reports of abuse sparked international condemnation. Pakistan, Turkiye, and Colombia issued strong statements, while protests were held in several countries.
Greece filed an official diplomatic protest. Spain’s Foreign Minister announced that 21 of 49 detained Spanish citizens were returning, while Greece confirmed the return of 27 of its citizens. Israel deported 29 more activists on Sunday, though many remain in detention.
