Gaza Flotilla Activists Allege Mistreatment by Israeli Forces After Deportation:

Activists from around the world who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza{Gaza flotilla} have begun sharing harrowing accounts of mistreatment by Israeli authorities, following their deportation over the weekend. The flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces last week, aimed to symbolically challenge the long-standing Israeli naval blockade on Gaza and deliver limited aid to Palestinians. More than 450 international activists were detained between Wednesday and Friday. Among them were high-profile figures such as Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), and several European lawmakers. Upon returning to Italy, several activists recounted their ordeal. Speaking at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Italian activist Cesare Tofani said, “We were treated terribly. From the army to the police, there was constant harassment.” Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, also condemned the treatment, saying, “They even pointed weapons at us. This is unacceptable from a country that claims to be democratic.” Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi reported that Israeli soldiers denied medication, mocked detainees, and compared them to animals. “They humiliated us just to laugh at our pain,” he told the Associated Press. Another journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, claimed his personal belongings and money were stolen, and described being intimidated by soldiers using dogs and laser sights pointed at detainees. “It was psychological warfare,” he said. Italian activist Paolo De Montis said he endured hours of “stress and humiliation” in a prison van, zip-tied and forced to kneel. “If you dared look up, they slapped you on the back of the head,” he recalled. “We stayed on our knees for four hours.” Sisters Heliza and Hazwani Helmi, singers and activists from Malaysia, also spoke out. Hazwani said detainees were denied clean water, forced to drink from toilets, and ignored when ill. “They said, ‘If you’re not dead, it’s not my problem,’” she told Anadolu Agency. Heliza added that she went three days without food, only eating once she was deported. Reports have also emerged that Greta Thunberg was dragged, forced to kiss an Israeli flag, and used for propaganda. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected these accusations, calling them “brazen lies.” A statement on social media claimed all detainees' legal rights were upheld and that Thunberg had not filed any formal complaint. In stark contrast, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the harsh treatment. “Anyone who supports terrorism deserves terrorist conditions,” he said. “They won’t be welcomed with red carpets.” The incident has sparked international outrage. Pakistan, Turkiye, and Colombia issued condemnations, while Greece filed an official protest. Protests have also erupted in several cities across Europe. As of Sunday, Israel confirmed the deportation of 29 more activists, while many remain in detention. Several countries, including Spain and Greece, are working to repatriate their citizens.

NEWS