Several activists detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza say they were threatened, abused and held in inhumane conditions – but they’re urging people to stay focused on what’s happening inside the besieged territory.
⛵ Flotilla intercepted in international waters
Israeli naval forces intercepted the UK-flagged Madleen boat in international waters on Monday, detaining all 12 activists on board. Among them were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.
The flotilla was attempting to create a humanitarian corridor to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver desperately needed food and supplies.
Speaking after her deportation to Paris, Thunberg said:
“We were attacked and kidnapped in international waters and brought into Israel against our will.”
📝 Forced to sign deportation papers
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organised the mission, said Israel demanded the activists sign documents admitting they had entered the country illegally. Several refused, insisting they never entered Israeli waters.
Thunberg clarified:
“I did not recognise that I entered the country illegally. The document I signed didn’t say that – I made it very clear in my statement.”
🚨 Reports of threats, abuse and sleep deprivation
French crew member Dr Baptiste André described “acts of abuse” by Israeli forces, including the sleep deprivation of Thunberg.
“Every time she dozed off, immigration officers blasted music and danced to wake her.”
He also claimed detainees struggled to access food, water, and basic hygiene – and had no access to toilets.
Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad said an officer insulted him for “smelling bad” after being denied rest for three days.
🧱 Solitary confinement and psychological torture
Rima Hassan, still in Israeli custody, was reportedly placed in solitary confinement at Neve Tirza Prison for writing “Free Palestine” on a wall. She was denied access to fresh air and held in squalid conditions before being moved back to Givon Prison.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, who began a hunger and thirst strike, was also isolated. His wife said he was threatened with total isolation and denied communication with his family – a form of psychological torture.
⏳ Detained until at least July 8
Eight activists remain in custody. A ruling by Israel’s Detention Review Tribunal upheld their detention until at least 8 July unless they are deported sooner.
Palestinian legal rights group Adalah condemned the decision as “legal cover for arbitrary detention in violation of international law.”
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said:
“The detention is arbitrary, unlawful and must be immediately terminated. The boat must be released.”
🎯 ‘Focus on Gaza – not us’
Despite their ordeal, activists say the public’s focus should remain firmly on Gaza.
A statement from detained activist Yasemin Acar, read by her brother, said:
“Please keep your focus on Gaza. People are starving. Entire families are surviving without clean water or medicine – and this is happening on our watch.”
“Delivering aid is not a crime. Kidnapping us in international waters is. But our suffering is nothing compared to what’s happening in Gaza.”
Related: Israeli gunfire kills 31 near Gaza aid site, medics say
