Israel deports over 170 flotilla activists amid allegations of mistreatment

Israel has deported at least 170 of more than 450 activists detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to sail humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The government has faced growing criticism and allegations of mistreatment of detainees — claims the Israeli Foreign Ministry has firmly denied.

Dozens of activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, arrived in Istanbul after their release, reporting denial of food, clean water and medical care while in custody.

Several Muslim women also alleged that their headscarves were confiscated.

Witnesses claimed Thunberg was pushed and wrapped in an Israeli flag against her will.

Israel Denies Allegations

In a statement posted on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected what it described as “brazen lies” about the alleged mistreatment of Thunberg and other detainees.

The ministry said that all detainees’ legal rights were “fully upheld,” adding that Thunberg and others had refused expedited deportation.

Ben-Gvir Criticises Decision to Release Activists

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir earlier posted a video on X criticising the decision to release the activists, calling them “terror supporters” and suggesting they should be imprisoned for several months.

“It cannot be that the Prime Minister sends them back to their countries again and again — and this sending causes them to return again and again,” Ben-Gvir wrote.

Legal Representation and Abuse Claims

A Reuters report cited Adalah, a legal centre representing the activists, as saying that some detainees alleged physical abuse and denial of medical treatment while in custody.

One Muslim woman reportedly was forced to remove her hijab and offered a shirt as a replacement.

An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters that Adalah was “repeating outright lies,” reiterating that detainees had access to food, water, restrooms, and legal counsel, and that “no physical force was used.”

Among the detained activists were Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, and several European lawmakers.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, flotilla participant Lorenzo Agostino described the detention as “barbaric,” claiming that passengers were “kidnapped and humiliated” after being seized in international waters.

He alleged that detainees were blindfolded, handcuffed, and left in freezing temperatures for hours.

Israeli officials have maintained that the flotilla was a “political stunt,” saying that the aid it carried was “small in quantity.”

Organisers have rejected that claim, insisting the mission was humanitarian.

International Response and Ongoing Activism

Following the arrests, governments including Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan and Greece lodged protests with Israel. 

Greece issued a “strong written protest” over what it called “unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour” by an Israeli minister, while Sweden said it had “acted intensively to ensure that the detained Swedes’ rights are observed.”

The interception has also sparked demonstrations in several cities worldwide.

A new flotilla of 11 vessels, including one carrying medics and journalists, is reportedly preparing to sail toward Gaza.