What we know about the fate of detained flotilla activists
Hundreds of activists – ranging from high-profile figures, such as Greta Thunberg, to little-known activists from more than 40 countries – were on board the flotilla vessels when they were seized by Israel.
Here’s what we know about their situation:
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it has transported activists to the Port of Ashdod before planning to deport them and the passengers are in “good health”.
- Adalah, a Palestinian legal centre in Israel, says it has received reports that Israeli immigration authorities have started deportation hearings in the port without notifying lawyers and are denying activists legal counsel.
- Israel’s typical approach for previous flotillas has also involved diverting ships to Ashdod, detaining activists and confiscating cargo.
- Several of these incidents have turned violent: In 2018, flotilla activists said they were Tasered and beaten, and in 2010, 10 activists were killed when Israeli forces raided the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship, causing an international outcry.
- Various political figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, have said they are closely monitoring the safe return of their nationals.
A protester holds a sign during a rally in support of the flotilla in Dublin, Ireland
Gaza official says flotilla’s message ‘reached the entire world’
Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, has hailed the flotilla activists for reaching “the entire world” with their humanitarian mission.
In a post on X, he accused Israeli forces of committing an act of “piracy” in intercepting the flotilla and said they sought to “besiege the truth just as they besiege, kill, destroy, and displace” Palestinians.
“Our message to the heroic solidarity activists: You may not have reached us with your bodies, but you reached our hearts before you even set sail, with your humanitarian solidarity and the purity of your noble and pristine intentions,” he wrote.
“Your message has reached the entire world.”
Italian union announces general strike in solidarity with Gaza flotilla
The Italian General Confederation of Labour, which describes itself as the country’s largest union, has announced a general strike on Friday in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
In a statement shared on social media, the union said the strike is in compliance with a law that allows for labour stoppages without prior notice “whenever the protection of Italian citizens, at home or abroad, is at stake, as well as the safeguarding of the fundamental principles on which the Republic is founded: peace, human rights, and respect for international obligations”.
“This is precisely the case with the aggression against citizens, workers, and volunteers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla engaged in a humanitarian action,” it said.
