🚢 A group of Swiss and Spanish activists who joined last week’s international flotilla to Gaza claim they faced inhumane conditions when detained by Israeli forces. The activists arrived back in Switzerland and Spain over the weekend, sharing chilling accounts of their treatment.
Sleep Deprivation & Limited Basics 😓
Among the nine Swiss activists who returned, many reported being denied food and water, suffering from sleep deprivation, and even being locked in cages. Spanish participants echoed these claims, with lawyer Rafael Borrego describing beatings, being dragged along the ground and blindfolding.
Israel’s Response ⚖️
Israel’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin confirmed that 170 activists have now been deported. Of the 309 still in custody, around 200 are expected to be expelled within the next 24 hours. The foreign ministry dismissed the abuse allegations as “complete lies,” saying all detainees had access to food, water and legal counsel.
Voices from the Flotilla
- A Spanish detainee reportedly bit a medical worker at Ketziot Prison during a routine exam, causing minor injuries.
- Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said she was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention.
- Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau noted that while she faced mistreatment, it “was nothing compared to what the Palestinian people suffer every day.”
Consular Visits & Next Steps
The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv visited ten nationals still held in custody, reporting they were in “relatively good health given the circumstances.” More activists are expected to be released soon and transported to Athens.
As this story develops, these firsthand accounts are reigniting global conversations on human rights and the risks of delivering aid in conflict zones.
Reference(s):
Gaza flotilla activists allege inhumane detention conditions in Israel
cgtn.com
