International activists deported from Israel after the interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla have alleged they were subjected to violence and degrading treatment during detention.
The flotilla, comprising around 45 vessels carrying aid for war-torn Gaza, was blocked by the Israeli military last month.
Over 400 people were detained, and 137 activists from 13 countries — including 36 Turkish nationals — arrived in Istanbul on Saturday aboard a special Turkish Airlines flight.
“We were intercepted by a huge number of military vessels,” said Italian councillor Paolo Romano, describing the operation. “They forced us to our knees, hit us if we moved, and mocked and insulted us. It was both psychological and physical violence,” he told AFP at Istanbul airport.
Malaysian activist Iylia Balqis called the ordeal “the worst experience,” alleging that detainees were handcuffed, denied water and medical aid, and forced to lie face down for hours.
An Israeli Foreign Ministry post on X confirmed the deportation of “137 provocateurs of the Hamas–Sumud flotilla” to Türkiye.
Families of the returning activists greeted them at Istanbul Airport, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel. Turkish officials said the activists would undergo medical examinations before appearing in court to provide testimony.
Turkey has condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla as “an act of terrorism” and opened an investigation. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised the activists as “brave individuals who gave voice to humanity’s conscience.”
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino said the flotilla was seized “55 miles from Gaza in international waters,” calling their two days in detention “hellish.” Libyan activist Malik Qutait vowed to continue efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, saying, “I will collect my group, arrange medicine, aid, and a ship — and I will try again.”
