ROME (AP) – Some activists who were detained while attempting to reach Gaza by sea have returned to their home countries, alleging mistreatment by Israeli guards, a claim that Israel denies. Approximately 450 activists were arrested when Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, which consisted of 42 boats aiming to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to the territory suffering from famine. The detentions occurred between October 1 and 3, 2025, and while many activists remain imprisoned in Israel, others have opted for voluntary deportation.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry claims that it offered voluntary deportation to all activists, stating that those who chose to remain in detention did so in order to challenge their deportation legally. On his return to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on October 4, 2025, Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi reported that Israeli soldiers denied detainees medication and treated them "like monkeys." In contrast, Israel's Foreign Ministry labeled these allegations as "brazen lies."
Among the detained activists were high-profile figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, in addition to several European lawmakers. Tommasi recounted an incident in which Thunberg was singled out by Israeli forces during her arrest, describing a situation where she was seen with her arms restrained and an Israeli flag placed beside her, which he interpreted as a form of mockery.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry responded to the allegations by asserting that all detainees' legal rights had been "fully upheld" and claimed that Thunberg had not complained of mistreatment. Meanwhile, the interception of the flotilla coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a new ceasefire initiative in Gaza, during which he urged Israel to cease military actions. Both Israel and Hamas expressed acceptance of some elements of the proposal, with negotiations expected in Cairo.
Another Italian journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, recounted that detainees were frequently awakened during the two nights he spent in custody. He described being intimidated by dogs and soldiers pointing laser sights from their guns at the prisoners. D’Agostino claimed that his personal belongings and cash were stolen by Israeli personnel.
Activist Paolo De Montis shared his experience of being confined in a prison van for hours with his hands bound. He described the situation as "constant stress and humiliation," stating that they were forced to kneel for four hours and were not allowed to make eye contact with their captors. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed pride in the treatment of the activists at Ketziot prison, branding them as supporters of terrorism and asserting that they deserved harsh conditions.
The arrests have prompted significant criticism from various governments, including Turkey, Colombia, and Pakistan. Greece, which had 27 nationals detained, officially protested Israel's actions regarding the "unacceptable and inappropriate behavior" of the Israeli minister. This protest was likely in reference to footage of Ben-Gvir mocking the activists while accusing them of supporting terrorism upon their arrival at Ashdod, Israel.
In response to the developments, the Swedish Foreign Ministry stated it had been actively engaged to ensure that the rights of Swedish citizens were upheld. The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla has also sparked widespread protests in cities around the world.
