INTERNATIONAL activists who arrived in Istanbul after being deported from Israel claim they were mistreated and “treated like animals” by Israeli forces following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza.
The activists, including 23 Malaysians, arrived in Istanbul following their detention and deportation by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian convoy attempting to reach Gaza by sea.
The flotilla, comprising around 45 vessels and more than 500 participants from 45 countries, was reportedly stopped in international waters while carrying food, medical supplies, and messages of peace, aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
Among those deported, 137 activists from 13 different countries landed in Istanbul yesterday, including 23 Malaysian nationals.
“We were intercepted by a large number of military ships,” said Paolo Romano, a regional council member from Lombardy, Italy. “Some boats were attacked with water cannons. All vessels were seized by heavily armed men and brought ashore.”
Romano, 29, described being forced to kneel with his face to the ground under threat of violence. “If we moved, they hit us. They laughed, insulted and beat us. They used both psychological and physical violence.”
He added that Israeli authorities coerced the group into signing confessions that they had entered the country illegally. “But we never entered Israel illegally. We were in international waters, and it was our right to be there.”
Upon arrival on land, the detainees were allegedly denied bottled water and kept in prison conditions. “At night, they would open the door and scream while pointing weapons at us, trying to terrify us,” Romano said. “We were treated like animals.”
Among those on board was climate activist Greta Thunberg and several politicians. Malaysian participant Iylia Balqis, 28, described the interception as “the worst experience.”
“We were handcuffed behind our backs, unable to walk. Some were forced to lie face down on the ground. We were denied water, and some were not given medication,” she said.
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino, who had joined the flotilla to report on the mission, said, “We were kidnapped in international waters, 55 miles from Gaza. We spent two full days suffering in prison. We are now free thanks to international pressure in support of Palestine. I sincerely hope this cruel treatment comes to an end soon.”
Libyan activist Malik Qutait expressed his determination to continue efforts to reach Gaza. “I am not afraid. I will gather my team again, prepare medicine, aid and another ship, and I will try again,” he said.
The 137 activists from 13 countries were flown to Istanbul via a special Turkish Airlines flight. Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, confirmed the safe arrival of all Malaysian detainees in Istanbul and announced they would return home within the next two days.
“Three Malaysians were initially reluctant to sign the deportation orders from Israel,” Anwar said, “but our opinion is that they should agree to it... and bring all of them back, and we can discuss our plans from there.”
He added that the Malaysian Foreign Ministry would oversee the repatriation process, ensuring all volunteers undergo health checks and receive trauma support upon return.
The GSF mission had set sail from the Mediterranean last month in a symbolic act of solidarity, calling for the end of the Israeli blockade, war and famine in Gaza, and the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors. - October 5, 2025
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