News|Israel-Palestine conflictMore Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment in Israeli detentionActivists deported from Israel following their arrest in the aid flotilla to Gaza say they were treated ‘like monkeys’.
On Wed, Oct 1, 2025, Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla aimed to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Approximately 450 participants were arrested during the interception, which occurred…
On Wed, Oct 1, 2025, Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla aimed to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Approximately 450 participants were arrested during the interception, which occurred between Wed, Oct 1, 2025, and Fri, Oct 3, 2025.
Several deported activists reported mistreatment during their detention in Israel. Italian activist Cesare Tofani described harassment by police and military personnel. Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, reported violent treatment, while Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi claimed that medicines were withheld, and detainees were ridiculed.
Further accounts included reports of stolen belongings, intimidation with dogs, and physical abuse. Paolo De Montis described being kept in a van with his hands tied, while Malaysian activists Heliza Helmi and Hazwani Helmi reported inadequate access to food and water.
On Wed, Oct 1, 2025, Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza.
Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued contrasting responses to the allegations. The Foreign Ministry labeled the claims as "brazen lies," while Ben-Gvir supported the treatment of detainees, viewing them as supporters of terrorism. The Foreign Ministry maintained that all legal rights of the detainees were respected and highlighted that some detainees, including Greta Thunberg, did not expedite their deportation or voice complaints to Israeli authorities.
The arrests and treatment of the activists prompted criticism from several countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye, and Colombia, as well as protests worldwide. On Sun, Oct 5, 2025, Israel deported an additional 29 flotilla activists, while others remain in detention. Spain's Foreign Affairs Minister indicated that 21 of the 49 detained Spanish activists were expected to return home on Sun, Oct 5, 2025, and Greece announced the return of 27 Greek citizens on Mon, Oct 6, 2025.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
