Activists Claim Abuse After Israel Intercepts Gaza Flotilla

International activists arriving in Istanbul from Israel on October 7, 2023, described severe mistreatment during their detention following the military’s interception of their Gaza-bound flotilla. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, faced a blockade that resulted in the detention of over 400 individuals. Israel began deporting these activists on October 6, with 137 of them arriving in Turkey on a specially-chartered Turkish Airlines flight.

Activists recounted their harrowing experiences at Istanbul Airport. Paolo Romano, a regional councillor from Lombardy, Italy, stated, “We were intercepted by a huge number of military vessels.” He described how some boats were struck by water cannons, and once detained, individuals were forced to kneel with their faces down. “If we moved, they hit us. They were laughing at us, insulting us, and hitting us,” he added, emphasizing the psychological and physical violence they endured.

Among those on board the flotilla were prominent figures, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Romano insisted they had not entered Israeli waters illegally, asserting their presence in international waters was justified.

Upon their arrival in Israel, the activists were imprisoned without access to basic necessities. “They were opening the door during the night and shouting at us with guns to scare us,” Romano said. “We were treated like animals.”

Statements from Activists Reveal Disturbing Conditions

Another activist, Iylia Balqis from Malaysia, described the experience as “the worst.” She recounted being handcuffed, denied water, and some were even deprived of medication. “We couldn’t walk; some of us were made to lie face down on the ground,” she said.

Activists were greeted in Istanbul by relatives holding Turkish and Palestinian flags, chanting slogans against Israel. Following their arrival, they were scheduled for medical checks and set to appear in court to provide testimony regarding their treatment.

The Turkish government condemned Israel’s actions, labeling the interception an “act of terrorism.” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised the activists, calling them “brave individuals who gave voice to humanity’s conscience” on social media. He assured that Turkey would facilitate the return of its nationals.

Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, who was among the detained, described the ordeal as akin to kidnapping occurring 55 miles (88 kilometers) from Gaza. “It was two hellish days that we spent in prison,” he stated. “We are out now thanks to the pressure of the international public that supports Palestine.”

Libyan activist Malik Qutait expressed his determination to continue efforts to reach Gaza, stating, “I will collect my group, arrange medicine, aid, and a ship and I will try again.”

As this situation unfolds, the activists’ testimonies highlight serious allegations of mistreatment and raise concerns regarding humanitarian access to Gaza.