Deported Gaza Flotilla Activists Allege Psychological & Physical Violence In Israeli Custody

Dozens of international activists deported from Israel after joining a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have accused Israeli authorities of violent and degrading treatment during their detention, allegations Israel has firmly denied.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of about 42 boats carrying more than 400 activists, set sail last month to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade.

Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla between October 1 and 3, detaining about 450 participants before beginning deportations on Friday (October 3).

On Saturday (October 4), 137 activists from 13 countries, including 36 Turkish nationals, arrived in Istanbul on a specially chartered Turkish Airlines flight.

Others returned to their home countries, including Italy and Malaysia, where they described what they called violent arrests and harsh conditions in Israeli custody.

Italian regional councillor Paolo Romano said Israeli naval forces surrounded the flotilla in international waters before storming the vessels with weapons drawn. He said troops fired water cannons and forced passengers to kneel face down, striking anyone who moved. Romano alleged that the guards mocked and insulted the detainees, saying they were subjected to both “psychological and physical violence.”

 

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Malaysian activist Iylia Balqis described the interception as “the worst experience,” saying participants were handcuffed, denied water and medicine, and made to lie on the ground for hours.

Several activists said they were transferred to a detention facility where they were deprived of basic needs. Romano claimed that guards shouted through the night and pointed weapons at them to frighten them.

Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, who was covering the mission, said the flotilla was stopped about 55 miles from Gaza. He described two days in custody as “hellish,” saying detainees were woken repeatedly, intimidated with dogs, and targeted with laser sights from weapons. He also claimed that his personal belongings and money were taken.

Fellow journalist Saverio Tommasi, who returned to Rome on Saturday, said detainees were “treated like monkeys” and denied medication. He alleged that Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who was also detained, was mocked by soldiers, describing what he called an attempt to humiliate and ridicule her.

Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.
Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025

Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the accounts as “brazen lies,” saying that detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld. The ministry stated that all participants were offered voluntary deportation, while those who remained in custody chose to go through the formal deportation process.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the treatment of detainees, saying he was “proud” of the way prison staff at Ketziot handled them. He referred to the activists as “supporters of terrorism” who deserved no special treatment.

Turkey has condemned Israel’s actions, describing the interception as “an act of terrorism.” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the flotilla members “brave individuals who gave voice to humanity’s conscience” and said Ankara had launched an investigation into the incident.

The Turkish activists were met by relatives waving national and Palestinian flags at Istanbul Airport. Lawyers for the group said the returnees were undergoing medical checks and would appear in court to provide testimony.

Governments including Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, and Greece have expressed concern over the arrests. The Greek Foreign Ministry filed a written protest to Israel over what it called “unacceptable behaviour” by an Israeli minister, believed to refer to footage showing Ben-Gvir mocking the detained activists in Ashdod.

In Italy, activist Cesare Tofani said the group experienced “terrible” treatment from both the army and police. Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said the detainees faced harassment and threats at gunpoint.

Libyan activist Malik Qutait, who was among those deported, said he would continue his efforts to reach Gaza with aid. “I will collect my group, arrange medicine, aid and a ship, and I will try again,” he said.

References: AP News, The Hindu