Gaza Flotilla Activists Allege Mistreatment While Being Detained in Israel

CRETE, GREECE – SEPTEMBER 26: Greek Coast Guard ships are seen protecting boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla as the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla is preparing to depart from the coast of the Greek island of Crete on its final leg towards Gaza to break Israel’s blockade in Crete, Greece on September 26, 2025. The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of about 50 ships, set sail earlier this month to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Niccolo Celesti/Anadolu via Getty Images)

ROME (AP) — Activists detained while trying to reach Gaza by sea have complained of mistreatment by Israeli guards. Some 450 activists were arrested as Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Many remain in prison in Israel. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi said Israeli soldiers withheld medicines and treated prisoners “like monkeys.” Activist Paolo De Montis added that detainees were held in conditions of “constant stress and humiliation.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the claims of mistreatment as “brazen lies.”