Between October 1 and 3, 2025, the Mediterranean waters off Gaza became the stage for a high-profile confrontation as the Global Sumud Flotilla—a fleet of 42 boats carrying approximately 450 activists—was intercepted by Israeli forces. The flotilla’s mission was as symbolic as it was urgent: to break Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza and deliver desperately needed aid to the famine-stricken territory. Instead, the activists found themselves detained, sparking an international outcry and a cascade of allegations about their treatment while in Israeli custody.
As news of the interception spread, stories began to emerge from those released and deported. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi, speaking at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, painted a vivid and disturbing picture: “They took away everyone’s medicine: people with heart disease, asthma, even an 86-year-old man … they took away his inhaler.” He didn’t mince words, calling the experience “torture,” and a “denial of human rights, even the most basic ones.” According to The Associated Press, Tommasi said the detainees were treated “like monkeys,” subjected to mockery and psychological violence meant to demean and ridicule.
Among those detained were some prominent names: Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers. Tommasi recounted that Thunberg was “singled out by Israeli forces,” seen “with her arms tied and an Israeli flag next to her, just a mockery.” Other activists echoed these claims, with some alleging that Thunberg had been “dragged on the ground,” “forced to kiss the Israeli flag,” and “used as propaganda.” The Associated Press and other outlets reported that these acts were part of a broader pattern of humiliation and intimidation.
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, who landed in Istanbul after his release, told AP that detainees were repeatedly woken during the nights in custody, intimidated with dogs, and had the laser sights of guns pointed at them “to scare us.” D’Agostino also said his belongings and money had been “stolen by the Israelis.” For activist Paolo De Montis, the ordeal included being “crammed into a prison van for hours with his hands secured by zip ties,” enduring “constant stress and humiliation.” He described being forced to keep his head down, slapped on the back of the head, and even made to stay on his knees for four hours. “You weren’t allowed to look them in the face,” he said, “and when I did look up, a man came and shook me and slapped me on the back of the head.”
Accounts of mistreatment were not limited to European activists. Malaysian sisters Heliza Helmi and Hazwani Helmi, both singers and actors, described their own harrowing experiences after arriving in Istanbul. Hazwani told Anadolu news agency, “Can you imagine we drank from the toilet water? Some people were very, very sick, but they [the Israelis] said: ‘Are they dead? If not, then that’s not my problem.’ They are very, very cruel people.” Heliza added, “I ate on October 1. Today is my first meal. So for three days, I did not eat—only drank from the toilet.”
Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, who arrived at Milan Malpensa Airport, described the treatment as violent and unacceptable: “They even treated us violently, pointing weapons at us, and this is absolutely unacceptable for us in a country that considers itself democratic.” Italian activist Cesare Tofani, upon his return to Rome, simply said, “We were treated terribly … From the army, we moved on to the police. There was harassment.”
Israel’s response to these allegations was swift and unequivocal. The Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as “brazen lies,” insisting that “all detainees’ legal rights had been fully upheld.” In a statement posted on X, the ministry emphasized that Greta Thunberg herself “did not complain to the Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations—because they never occurred.” The ministry also pointed out that activists were offered voluntary deportation, with those remaining in custody choosing to go through a legal deportation process.
Yet, the official denials were sharply contrasted by the stance of Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. He was unapologetic, stating, “I was proud that we treat the ‘flotilla activists’ as supporters of terrorism. Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves the conditions of terrorists.” Ben-Gvir went further, declaring, “If any of them thought they would come here and receive a red carpet and trumpets—they were mistaken. They should get a good feel for the conditions in Ketziot prison and think twice before they approach Israel again.” Ben-Gvir was even filmed taunting the activists as they were brought ashore at Ashdod port.
The fallout from the flotilla’s interception and the subsequent treatment of its participants has not been limited to the individuals involved. Governments from Turkey, Colombia, and Pakistan issued sharp criticisms of Israel’s actions. Greece, which had 27 of its nationals among the detainees, lodged a “strong written protest” over what it called the “unacceptable and inappropriate behavior of an Israeli minister.” Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares told public broadcaster RTVE that 21 of the 49 Spanish activists detained were expected to return home on Sunday, while Greece’s Foreign Ministry said 27 Greek citizens would return from Israel on Monday.
The international backlash quickly spread beyond diplomatic channels. Large-scale demonstrations erupted in cities across the globe, with protesters decrying both the blockade of Gaza and the reported treatment of the activists. The Swedish Foreign Ministry said it had “acted intensively to ensure that the detained Swedes’ rights are observed.” According to AP, the interception also coincided with a significant diplomatic development: U.S. President Donald Trump was attempting to broker a new ceasefire initiative in Gaza, ordering Israel to halt its bombing campaign. Israel announced it had accepted Trump’s proposal, and Hamas indicated acceptance of some aspects, with negotiators expected in Cairo the following Monday.
Despite the denials from Israeli officials, the accounts of those released and deported have continued to fuel scrutiny and outrage. The stories of withheld medicines, forced deprivation of food and water, mockery, intimidation, and physical abuse have painted a grim picture that stands in stark contrast to official Israeli statements. As more activists return home, their testimonies are adding to the pressure on Israel to address the mounting allegations—and on the international community to respond.
The events surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla have reignited debate about the Gaza blockade, humanitarian access, and the treatment of detainees. With the world watching and the voices of the activists growing louder, the controversy shows no sign of fading from the headlines anytime soon.
