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450 Flotilla Activists Detained: Ben-Gvir Says “Treat as Terrorists” Amid Abuse Claims

Between October 1-3, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted 42 boats carrying approximately 450 international activists who were attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which carried a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, included high-profile participants such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.

The interceptions occurred in international waters, more than 40 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast. Activists were transferred to Ketziot Prison in Israel’s Negev desert, where many reported mistreatment. Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations as “brazen lies,” while activists and human rights organizations documented claims of sleep deprivation, forced kneeling, withholding of medication, and insufficient food and water. The incident triggered international condemnation and massive protests, with Italy experiencing a general strike involving over 2 million people.

Israeli Navy troops boarding a vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters during an interception operation on October 3, 2025
Israeli Navy troops board a vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea on October 3, 2025. The interception of humanitarian vessels in international waters raised questions about maritime law enforcement. (Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Detention by Numbers

Key figures from the Global Sumud Flotilla interceptions

450+
Activists Detained
42
Boats Intercepted
170+
Already Deported
40+
Countries Represented
2M+
Italian Protesters

Countries With Detained Citizens

The flotilla brought together activists from across the globe. Click markers to see verified detention numbers by country.

30+ detainees
20-29 detainees
10-19 detainees
1-9 detainees

Timeline of Events

From departure to detention and ongoing developments

Late August 2025
Flotilla Departs
The Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail with over 40 boats carrying approximately 450 activists from multiple countries. Mission aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid.
September 2025
Reported Drone Incident
One flotilla vessel experiences a fire while docked in Tunisia. Organizers claim it was hit by a drone strike. Read about the drone strike claims.
October 1-3, 2025
Israeli Forces Intercept Flotilla
Israeli naval forces intercept all 42 boats in international waters, more than 40 nautical miles off Gaza. High-profile detainees include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), and several European parliamentarians.
October 3-5, 2025
Detention at Ketziot Prison
Activists transferred to Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert. Multiple detainees report mistreatment including sleep deprivation, forced kneeling for hours, withholding of medication, insufficient food and water, and psychological harassment.
October 3-6, 2025
Mass Deportations Begin
Israel begins deporting activists, with 170+ of the 450+ detainees released. Some activists opt for voluntary deportation while others contest detention through legal channels. International protests erupt, with Italy experiencing strikes involving over 2 million people.
Ongoing
New Flotilla Preparing
A new flotilla of 11 vessels carrying over 150 healthcare workers, journalists, and activists prepares to sail toward Gaza. Israeli officials warn they will prevent any unauthorized entry into Gaza’s waters.

Detainee Accounts

Reports from activists who were detained and later released

Saverio Tommasi – Italian Journalist ▼
Upon arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Tommasi reported that Israeli soldiers withheld medicines and treated prisoners poorly. He described psychological harassment and mocking by Israeli forces. He stated he saw Greta Thunberg at the port with her arms tied and an Israeli flag next to her, describing it as mockery intended to demean and ridicule detainees.
Lorenzo D’Agostino – Italian Activist ▼
After arriving at Istanbul Airport, D’Agostino described nights of repeated awakenings during his detention. He reported intimidation using military dogs and soldiers pointing laser sights of guns at prisoners. He stated that his belongings and money had been taken by Israeli authorities.
Paolo De Montis – Italian Activist ▼
De Montis reported experiencing stress and humiliation, describing being confined in a prison van for several hours with hands restrained by zip ties. He stated detainees were not allowed to look guards in the face and had to keep heads down. When he looked up, a guard allegedly shook him and slapped him on the back of the head. He stated they were forced to stay on their knees for four hours.
Swedish Embassy Reports on Greta Thunberg ▼
According to Swedish Foreign Ministry emails cited by The Guardian, Swedish embassy officials met with Thunberg in detention. She reportedly informed them of dehydration and complained of insufficient water and food. She had developed rashes which she suspected were caused by bedbugs and was forced to sit for long periods on hard surfaces. The email also relayed concerns that she was forced to hold flags while pictures were taken.
Hazwani & Heliza Helmi – Malaysian Sisters ▼
The Malaysian sisters described harsh treatment when detained. Hazwani told Anadolu news agency they drank from toilet water and that when people were very sick, Israeli guards allegedly responded dismissively. Heliza reported going without food for three days, eating only on October 1 and not again until after release on October 5.
Legal Organization Adalah ▼
Adalah, a legal organization representing several detainees, reported that many faced mistreatment. These included being denied medical treatment and medication, enduring physical abuse, and one Muslim woman being allegedly compelled to remove her hijab and offered a shirt as a substitute.

Contrasting Responses

How different parties characterized the events

👥
Activists & Legal Groups
Multiple activists reported systematic mistreatment including sleep deprivation, forced kneeling for hours, withholding of medication, insufficient food and water, and psychological harassment. Legal organization Adalah, representing several detainees, reported cases of denied medical treatment and medication.
“They forced us to stay on our knees for four hours.”
🏛️
Israeli Foreign Ministry
The Israeli Foreign Ministry denied all allegations of misconduct, describing them as “brazen lies.” It maintained that detainees’ rights were fully upheld and that all prisoners had access to legal counsel, medical care, food, and sanitation.
“All the detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld, and they were all given access to water, food, and restrooms.”
⚖️
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees prisons, publicly endorsed the treatment of detainees during a visit to Ketziot prison. His statements appeared to contradict the Foreign Ministry’s denials.
“I was proud that we treat the ‘flotilla activists’ as supporters of terrorism. Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves the conditions of terrorists.”

Continuing Coverage

The detention of Global Sumud Flotilla participants was discussed in this coverage, including the interceptions between October 1-3, 2025, the transfer of detainees to Ketziot Prison, allegations of mistreatment, official responses from Israeli authorities, international reactions including mass protests in Italy, and the deportation process that saw 170+ activists released. The incident was covered with information from multiple governments, human rights organizations, and firsthand accounts from detained activists.

Greta Thunberg’s Mission Drone Strike Investigation Flotilla Under Surveillance

🕊️ Official & Primary Sources

  1. United Nations – UN Experts Press Release (9 Sept 2025)
    Official UN communication expressing concern over the flotilla incident.
  2. Global Sumud Flotilla – Official Website
    Central hub for mission statements, participants, and organizational updates.
  3. Global Sumud Flotilla – Real-Time Tracker
    Live ship tracker documenting the flotilla’s journey and vessel positions.
  4. Global Sumud Flotilla – Press Section
    Archive of official statements, press kits, and verified contact information.
  5. Freedom Flotilla Coalition – “Israel Attacked Sumud” Statement (Oct 1, 2025)
    Primary firsthand report from the coalition following the interception.
  6. Freedom Flotilla Coalition – Conscience Tracker
    Accountability and mission-tracking resource from the organizing network.
  7. Israel Government – “The Hidden Networks Behind the Global Sumud Flotilla”
    Israeli official analysis detailing government perspective and response.
  8. Knesset – Official Press Release (July 30, 2025)
    Parliamentary statement outlining legislative or diplomatic stances.
  9. Government of Ireland – Statement by the Tánaiste on the Global Sumud Flotilla (Oct 3, 2025)
    Official diplomatic response from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
  10. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen – Official Congressional Statement
    Formal statement from a member of the U.S. Congress referencing the flotilla.
  11. Adalah – Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel
    Official briefing on legal rights and detention conditions of activists.
  12. Adalah Legal Team – Primary Instagram Update
    Verified social media update providing real-time information from lawyers on the ground.
  13. Global Sumud Flotilla – Live Broadcast & Media Resources (Spanish)
    Multilingual press resources and livestream archive from the GSF site.
    Karmactive Whatsapp group - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb2BWGn77qVMKpqBxg3D

    Govind Tekale

    Embarking on a new journey post-retirement, Govind, once a dedicated teacher, has transformed his enduring passion for current affairs and general knowledge into a conduit for expression through writing. His historical love affair with reading, which borders on addiction, has evolved into a medium to articulate his thoughts and disseminate vital information. Govind pens down his insights on a myriad of crucial topics, including the environment, wildlife, energy, sustainability, and health, weaving through every aspect that is quintessential for both our existence and that of our planet. His writings not only mirror his profound understanding and curiosity but also serve as a valuable resource, offering a deep dive into issues that are critical to our collective future and well-being.

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