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Swiss Gaza aid flotilla activists decry 'inhumane detention’

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Oct 2025 14:33
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Swiss activists from the Gaza aid flotilla said they were held in inhumane detention conditions in "Israel".

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This image shows activist Greta Thunberg, right, as she is being detained after the Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid towards Gaza on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. (AP)

Nine members of the Gaza aid flotilla returned to Switzerland on Sunday after being deported by "Israel", with several alleging they endured “inhumane detention conditions” while in custody, according to the group representing them.

"Israel" has not yet commented on the new accusations, though its Foreign Ministry previously described reports of mistreatment as “complete lies.”

The flotilla included 19 Swiss nationals, among them former Geneva mayor Remy Pagani, who were aboard vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which is still suffering under "Israel’s" ongoing blockade.

According to the Waves of Freedom group, "Israeli" forces intercepted the flotilla at sea on Wednesday and detained participants at the Ktzi’ot prison inside "Israel".

Activists allege ‘inhumane detention conditions’ in 'Israel'

In a statement, Waves of Freedom said the participants “condemned the inhumane detention conditions and the humiliating and degrading treatment they suffered upon their arrest and incarceration.”

Detainees described sleep deprivation, a lack of food and water, and instances of being kicked, beaten, and locked in cages. Some of the activists have also reportedly begun hunger strikes.

Israeli authorities rejected the claims, saying the activists’ legal rights were “fully upheld” and that “no physical force was used.” They added that detainees were provided access to food, water, and restrooms.

Hundreds of activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were also detained during the same flotilla attempt to challenge "Israel's" illegal Gaza blockade, part of ongoing solidarity efforts with the enclave.

The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed it had visited the 10 remaining detained Swiss nationals to provide consular protection.

“All are in relatively good health, given the circumstances,” the embassy said, adding that it is “doing everything possible to ensure their prompt return.”