'We were treated like animals', deported Gaza flotilla activists say

Following their detention by Israeli authorities, activists from the Gaza flotilla claimed that they were "treated like animals" during their capture and deportation. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which was made up of activists from all over the world, was sailing toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid when it was stopped by Israeli naval forces in what the participants claim to be international waters. Before Israel began deporting people, over 400 people, including citizens of multiple nations, were held in detention. After being expelled, many of the deported activists arrived in Istanbul and shared stories of humiliation, intimidation, and violence. They alleged that Israeli forces used excessive force during the raid, deploying armed troops and water cannons to stop the flotilla. They claimed that while they were detained, they were subjected to verbal and physical abuse, were kept in harsh conditions, and were deprived of sleep, food, and water. Some activists claimed they were forced to kneel for hours, faced insults, and were struck when they tried to move. Others said that at detention centers, lights were kept on throughout the night and guards would enter rooms shouting and banging on doors to prevent rest.

Paolo Romano, a 29-year-old Italian participant, said it felt like “psychological warfare,” describing it as one of the worst experiences of his life. He and others claimed that Israeli authorities prevented detainees from getting legal representation and medical care. Reports also suggested that confiscated personal belongings, including phones and passports, were not immediately returned. Many activists said their treatment violated international norms for handling civilian detainees.

Israel defended the interception as a necessary security measure, maintaining that the flotilla attempted to breach its lawful naval blockade on Gaza. Officials described the mission as a “provocation” designed to challenge Israel’s sovereignty rather than deliver genuine aid. The Israeli foreign ministry claimed that the activists' detention was carried out "in accordance with international law" and that they had ignored numerous warnings to alter their course. Activists and human rights advocates rejected that claim, saying Israel had no right to board ships in international waters and accusing it of committing acts of piracy. Legal experts questioned whether the blockade itself, in effect since 2007, meets international humanitarian standards, given the dire conditions inside Gaza. Turkey, whose nationals made up one of the largest contingents aboard the flotilla, strongly condemned the operation. Ankara called it an “act of state violence” and vowed to pursue diplomatic and legal action against Israel.

When the deported activists landed in Istanbul, they were greeted by cheering supporters carrying Palestinian and Turkish flags. Many were visibly emotional, recounting how they were blindfolded and handcuffed during transfer and denied contact with their embassies. Turkish authorities said they would provide medical evaluations and document testimony from all returnees, some of whom displayed bruises and marks of physical restraint. Several activists declared they would not be silenced, promising to continue drawing attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the alleged mistreatment, demanding accountability for any violations of international law. Amnesty International and other watchdogs emphasized that all detainees, regardless of political context, must be treated with dignity and have access to due process. They warned that such incidents risk deepening international tensions and undermining humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting civilians in Gaza.

The incident has rekindled discussion regarding the blockade and the morality of using naval force to enforce it. Supporters of the flotilla argue that the mission was a peaceful act of solidarity, intended to deliver basic supplies to a population suffering from severe shortages of food, medicine, and electricity. Israel contends that Hamas, which governs Gaza, uses such aid missions to smuggle prohibited materials, justifying the blockade as a necessary security barrier.

Despite their ordeal, many activists said they would join future missions to challenge the blockade and advocate for Palestinian rights. They called on the international community to intervene and ensure safe passage for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident, they said, revealed the human cost of a conflict where even peaceful resistance meets violence. For them, the experience was not just a personal trauma but a reflection of what Palestinians endure daily under siege.