Overview
- Israeli forces intercepted roughly 40 to 42 Global Sumud Flotilla boats and detained about 450 people seeking to challenge the Gaza naval blockade.
- Deportations are underway with 137 activists flown to Istanbul, while many others remain in Israeli facilities pending legal or removal procedures.
- Returned participants and the rights group Adalah report denial of medication, scarce food and water, forced kneeling with zip ties, and intimidation by guards.
- Several eyewitnesses allege Greta Thunberg was shoved and compelled to display or kiss an Israeli flag, and Swedish officials say she reported dehydration and insufficient provisions after a prison visit.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejects the accounts as false and says detainees’ rights were upheld, as National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir praises the prison’s approach, drawing protests from governments including Greece, Turkey and Italy and fueling public demonstrations.