Sun Oct 05 16:26:31 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Gaza Flotilla Activists Allege Mistreatment by Israeli Forces Following Deportation**

**Rome/Istanbul -** International activists deported from Israel after their participation in a Gaza aid flotilla are leveling accusations of mistreatment and abuse against Israeli authorities. The activists, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, claim they were subjected to violence, intimidation, and degrading conditions during their detention.

According to reports, approximately 450 participants were arrested between Wednesday and Friday as Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla. Upon their return home, activists have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences.

Italian activist Cesare Tofani described being treated “terribly” and subjected to “harassment” by both the army and police. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi recounted that detained activists were treated “like monkeys,” with medicines withheld and guards mocking them. He also stated Israeli soldiers mocked the detained activists – who included Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers – in order to “demean, ridicule and laugh in situations where there is nothing to laugh about”. Lorenzo D’Agostino, another Italian journalist, alleged that his belongings and money were stolen by Israeli authorities.

Other activists detailed instances of intimidation, including being threatened with dogs and laser sights from guns. Paolo De Montis reported experiencing “constant stress and humiliation,” being kept in a prison van for hours with his hands tied and forced to remain on his knees for extended periods.

Malaysian sisters and performers Heliza and Hazwani Helmi recounted even more shocking details, claiming they were forced to drink toilet water and denied food for days. Hazwani said “Can you imagine we drank from the toilet water? Some people were very, very sick, but they [the Israelis] said: ‘Are they dead? If not, then that’s not my problem,’”

These allegations come amidst growing international scrutiny of Israel’s handling of the flotilla and its participants.

While Israel’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the allegations as “brazen lies,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the harsh treatment, stating he was “proud” that the activists were treated as “supporters of terrorism.”

The reported mistreatment has drawn criticism from countries including Pakistan, Turkiye, and Colombia, as well as protests around the world and a formal protest from Greece.

Israel deported an additional 29 activists on Sunday, with many more remaining in detention. Spain and Greece have confirmed the impending return of their citizens who were part of the flotilla. The situation remains tense as the international community continues to react to the activists’ allegations and Israel’s response.

Read More