Dozens of international activists deported from Israel after joining a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have accused Israeli authorities of violent and degrading treatment during their detention, allegations Israel has firmly denied.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of about 42 boats carrying more than 400 activists, set sail last month to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla between October 1 and 3, detaining about 450 participants before beginning deportations on Friday (October 3).
On Saturday (October 4), 137 activists from 13 countries, including 36 Turkish nationals, arrived in Istanbul on a specially chartered Turkish Airlines flight.
Others returned to their home countries, including Italy and Malaysia, where they described what they called violent arrests and harsh conditions in Israeli custody.
Italian regional councillor Paolo Romano said Israeli naval forces surrounded the flotilla in international waters before storming the vessels with weapons drawn.
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