Highlights
- Hundreds of Global Sumud Flotilla Gaza Aid Activists detained by Israel.
- Allegations of denial of food, medicine, and clean water in prisons.
- Four Italian citizens deported; all are members of Italy’s parliament.
- Israel claims 137 detainees have already been sent to Turkey.
- Worldwide protests erupted, including in Italy, against Israel’s actions.
Hundreds of Activists Held in Israeli Prisons
Hundreds of Gaza Aid Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, have been detained by Israeli forces. The activists were captured at sea on Friday and first taken to Ashdod port before being transferred to Israeli prisons.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the deportation process for foreign detainees has started. Four Italian citizens are already being deported to their home country. Among those detained were 470 participants, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Some detainees have claimed they were not given food since their arrest. The Israeli navy reportedly seized all 42 ships of the flotilla that were carrying aid, volunteers, and supplies to break what they described as Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza.
ফেসবুক, হোয়াটসঅ্যাপ, ইনস্টাগ্রাম—আজই শিখে ফেলুন ৫০ টাকায় ৫০ হাজার মানুষের কাছে পৌঁছে যাওয়ার গোপন কৌশল!
Israel Confirms Deportations to Turkey
Israeli authorities stated that 137 detainees have been sent to Turkey. According to Haaretz, the detainees include citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Mauritania, Malaysia, Bahrain, Morocco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said these activists were detained in international waters and later brought to Israel.
Reports of Abuse and Denial of Food
The Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel reported that the detainees are being mistreated at Ketziot Prison in Israel’s southern Negev desert.
According to Adalah’s latest update, some detainees said they had not been given any food since their arrest. Their medicine was confiscated, and they were not provided with any alternatives. Others complained about the lack of clean drinking water, saying the available water was unsafe or of poor quality.
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Four Italian Activists Deported
Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that four of its citizens, who were among the detained flotilla activists, are being deported. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier criticized the flotilla movement, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible initiative.”
The four Italian detainees are all members of the country’s parliament. Italian officials have met with them and reported that while they are tired, they are in stable condition. The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, urged Israel to ensure better conditions for the detainees and said Rome is working to expedite their deportation process.
Global Protests Erupt Against Israel
After the flotilla’s detention, protests broke out in several countries, including Italy, where thousands marched against the Meloni government and Israel’s actions.
Portuguese Activist Alleges Being Denied Food
Portuguese activist Mariana Mortágua informed her family that she had been detained for 48 hours without food. Portugal’s consul in Israel confirmed that four Portuguese citizens were detained but are in stable condition despite harsh conditions.
Three Polish activists were also reportedly asked to leave Israel voluntarily but refused to sign any deportation documents.
Source: Samakal
