137 Gaza Flotilla Activists, Including Witnesses of Thunberg’s Detention, Deported to Turkey

A total of 137 activists detained by Israel for participating in a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have arrived in Turkey after being deported. The group includes citizens from 13 countries, among them 36 Turks, as well as nationals from the U.S., UAE, Algeria, Italy, Malaysia, and others, according to Turkish foreign ministry officials.

Two activists — Hazwani Helmi of Malaysia and Windfield Beaver of the U.S. — alleged that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was “mistreated” during detention. They claimed she was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag, and described the conditions as inhumane, citing lack of food, water, and confiscation of personal items.

Israel’s foreign ministry has denied all allegations of mistreatment, calling reports of abuse “complete lies.” The ministry said all detainees were “safe and in good health” and that deportations were being processed swiftly.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 26 Italian activists returned home, while 15 others remain in custody awaiting deportation. Some Italian lawmakers on board described the flotilla interception as “brutal” and claimed they were “taken hostage.”

Israeli legal group Adalah, assisting detainees, said some were denied lawyers, water, and toilets and were forced to kneel with zip-tied hands for five hours after chanting “Free Palestine.” Israel rejected these claims, insisting all detainees’ rights were upheld.

The flotilla, intercepted in late August, is the latest attempt by international activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, imposed since Hamas’ October 2023 attack. Israeli officials have branded the mission an illegal political stunt.