After participating in a Gaza aid flotilla, numerous international activists were expelled from Israel and have since accused Israeli authorities of mistreating climate activist Greta Thunberg.
On Saturday, 137 deportees arrived in Istanbul, including 36 Turkish citizens alongside activists from countries such as the United States, Italy, Malaysia, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Libya, and Jordan, according to Turkish officials.
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Ersin Celik, a Turkish journalist and participant in the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, told local media that he witnessed Israeli forces subjecting Greta Thunberg to harsh treatment, describing how she was forcibly dragged across the ground and compelled to kiss the Israeli flag.
Malaysian activist Hazwani Helmi and American participant Windfield Beaver shared similar testimonies at Istanbul Airport, alleging that Thunberg was pushed and paraded while holding an Israeli flag.
Helmi described the experience as “horrific,” stating that detainees were treated inhumanely, deprived of food, clean drinking water, and necessary medication.
Beaver added that Thunberg endured “severe mistreatment” and was exploited for propaganda purposes, recalling how she was abruptly ushered into a room as far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered.
Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino, also aboard the flotilla, highlighted the degrading treatment of Thunberg, saying, “At just 22 years old, Greta Thunberg was humiliated, wrapped in an Israeli flag, and displayed like a trophy.”
Other activists recounted harsh conditions. Turkish TV host Ikbal Gurpinar said, “We were treated like animals. For three days, we were denied food and water; we had to resort to drinking from the toilet. The heat was unbearable, and we were all suffering.” She noted that the experience deepened her empathy for the people of Gaza.
Turkish activist Aycin Kantoglu described seeing prison walls stained with blood and messages left by former detainees. “We witnessed mothers inscribing their children’s names on the walls. It gave us a glimpse into the hardships Palestinians endure daily,” she remarked.
Reports of Abuse Among Detainees
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 26 Italians were deported, while 15 others remained in Israeli detention awaiting expulsion.
Italian Member of Parliament Arturo Scotto, who was also on the flotilla, stated, “The individuals on those boats acted within the law; those who violated it were the ones preventing their passage to Gaza.”
Adalah, an Israeli human rights organization providing legal support, reported that detainees were forced to kneel with their hands bound by zip ties for extended periods, denied access to medication, and prevented from consulting with lawyers. However, Israel’s foreign ministry categorically rejected these allegations, labeling them as “utter fabrications” and asserting that all detainees were treated in accordance with legal standards.
“All accusations made by Adalah are completely false. Every detainee was provided with water, food, and restroom access; none were denied legal counsel, and their rights were fully respected,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters.
Israel has faced growing international criticism following the naval interception of the flotilla, which involved stopping around 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detaining over 450 individuals onboard.
Opponents argue that this operation highlights the illegality of Israel’s blockade, which has isolated Gaza’s 2.3 million residents amid the ongoing conflict.
The flotilla, initiated in late August, represents the latest global attempt to challenge Israel’s siege and deliver essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
