VOLUNTEERS from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), intercepted by Israeli authorities, have reportedly been denied access to water, medicines and essential supplies, and were prevented from meeting with their lawyers, the Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (ADALAH) said in a statement.
ADALAH revealed that detained participants endured procedures without legal consultation, with attorneys initially blocked from meeting the volunteers.
“They were forced to kneel with hands bound with ‘zip tie’ for at least five hours after shouting ‘Bebaskan Palestin’,” the statement read. Some volunteers also reported experiencing violence, threats and harassment, including being awakened violently while sleeping.
The statement further alleged that Israel’s Minister of Security, Itamar Ben‑Gvir, was present during lawyers’ visits to Ashdod port, a move described as intended to intimidate the detainees. Volunteers were reportedly filmed, oppressed and falsely branded terrorists in attempts to discredit their peaceful mission.
All 331 GSF volunteers are now facing immigration proceedings.
ADALAH described the entire detention process as unlawful, beginning with the transfer of detainees from Ashdod port to Ktzi’ot Prison in the Negev without notifying their legal team.
“Lawyers waited nine hours outside Ashdod Port without being informed that immigration proceedings had already begun, learning it only via calls from the volunteers themselves,” ADALAH said.
Despite repeated denials of access by Israeli authorities, ADALAH lawyers eventually secured entry and are now participating in tribunals to review detention orders.
The group is pursuing legal action for the immediate release of volunteers, the return of confiscated personal belongings and humanitarian supplies, and formal recognition that the detention was unjust.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, spearheaded by the vessel Vicdan, continues its journey toward Gaza.
Türkiye’s representative in the mission, Behesti Ismail Songur, told Anadolu Agency that the flotilla has about 430 miles to go and expects to reach Gaza’s borders within three to four days.
He emphasised their mission: “We will reach the borders of Gaza to enter Gaza’s territorial waters, break this blockade … and show our solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the (Global) Sumud Flotilla.”
Songur described the flotilla’s purpose as bold and necessary: “There is actually a profound message here … this blockade will be broken … they will grow, and this civilian anger, this justified anger, will reach the borders of Palestine and break this blockade.” - October 4, 2025
