Title: Activists Report Mistreatment After Gaza Flotilla Detention

ROME — Activists detained while attempting to reach Gaza by sea have returned home, alleging mistreatment by Israeli guards. Approximately 450 activists were arrested when Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of 42 boats aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza. Those detained from Wednesday to Friday were taken to Israel, where many remain in custody.

Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi, who was among those detained, claimed that Israeli soldiers withheld medications and treated prisoners poorly. "This is called torture. It’s called torture, a denial of human rights, even the most basic ones," he stated upon his return to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. He noted that medications were taken from individuals with serious health conditions, including an 86-year-old man who had his inhaler confiscated.

Among the detainees were prominent figures such as Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Tommasi reported that Thunberg was specifically targeted by Israeli forces. "We also saw Greta Thunberg at the port, in that case with her arms tied and an Israeli flag next to her, just a mockery," he said, describing the situation as part of a broader pattern of verbal and psychological abuse.

The interception of the flotilla coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, as he urged Israel to halt its military actions. Another journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, recounted his experience of being repeatedly woken during his two nights in detention. He described intimidation tactics, including the use of dogs and soldiers aiming laser sights at prisoners. "Overall, I felt I was being held by a terrorist organization," he remarked after arriving at Istanbul Airport, where 137 activists from 13 countries were repatriated.

Activist Paolo De Montis shared his experience of being confined in a prison van for hours with zip ties on his hands. He described the situation as one of "constant stress and humiliation," stating that detainees were not allowed to make eye contact with guards and were physically assaulted for looking up.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed pride in the treatment of the detainees at Ketziot prison, stating, "Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves the conditions of terrorists." He added that those expecting a warm welcome were mistaken and should reconsider their approach to Israel.

In response to the allegations of mistreatment, Israel’s Foreign Ministry labeled the claims as "brazen lies," asserting that all detainees’ legal rights were upheld. The ministry also claimed that Thunberg had not raised any complaints about the treatment she received.

The arrests have drawn criticism from several countries, including Turkey, Colombia, and Pakistan. Greece, which had 27 nationals detained, issued a formal protest regarding the behavior of Israeli officials. The Swedish Foreign Ministry stated it had worked diligently to ensure the rights of its detained citizens were respected.

The flotilla's interception has sparked widespread protests in various cities around the world, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza blockade and humanitarian efforts.