Released flotilla activists allege mistreatment in Israeli detention after interception
Roughly 450 activists were arrested after Israeli forces intercepted 42 boats, and about 137 activists from 13 countries were deported and arrived in Istanbul amid large protests while many others remained in Israeli detention. Released activists and journalists allege specific mistreatment in custody — including withholding medicines, repeated wakings, mockery and being singled out (notably Greta Thunberg), intimidation with dogs and laser sights, theft of belongings, and forced kneeling with zip‑tied hands — and far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir said he was "proud" of how staff treated them, calling them "supporters of terrorism."
Human Rights
War & Conflict
International
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of 42 boats; roughly 450 activists were arrested after the interception.
- About 137 activists from 13 countries subsequently arrived in Istanbul, while many others remained in detention in Israel.
- Released detainees and journalists allege a range of mistreatment while in Israeli custody after the interception, including withholding medicines, mockery, repeated wakings, intimidation with dogs and laser sights, theft of belongings, forced kneeling and zip‑tied hands.
- Some individuals said they were specifically singled out or targeted in detention, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and journalists.
- Far‑right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir publicly said he was “proud” of how staff treated activists at Ketziot prison and characterized the activists as “supporters of terrorism.”
đź“š Contextual Background
- Israel enforces a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
- Ketziot Prison is a detention facility located in the Negev desert in southern Israel.
đź“° Sources (2)
Released Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment while being detained in Israel
New information:
- Multiple detainees and journalists allege specific mistreatment in Israeli custody: withholding medicines, mockery, being singled out (Greta Thunberg), repeated wakings, intimidation with dogs and laser sights, theft of belongings, forced kneeling and zip‑tied hands.
- Far‑right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir publicly said he was 'proud' of how staff treated activists at Ketziot prison and framed them as 'supporters of terrorism.'
- Characterized scale and locations: roughly 450 activists arrested after the interception of 42 boats; reporting notes 137 activists from 13 countries subsequently arrived in Istanbul, while many others remained in detention in Israel.