Israeli occupation continues illegal detention and deportation of 145 international volunteers
Freedom Flotilla members report abuse, coercion, and denial of legal access after Israel’s attack in international waters
GAZA / ASHDOD PORT / NAQAB DESERT (MNTV) – The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says Israel continues to illegally detain, abuse, and deport dozens of international medics, journalists, and human rights defenders seized during its attack on the Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) flotilla earlier this week.
The flotilla, carrying 145 volunteers from more than 25 countries, was intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces on October 8, about 120 nautical miles (220 km) from Gaza — well within international waters. Following the assault, nine vessels and all passengers were forcibly taken to Ashdod Port, with many transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison in the Naqab (Negev) desert.
Reports of abuse, coercion and hunger strike
Adalah attorneys say detainees face harsh and degrading conditions, including denial of legal counsel, restricted access to water, and cases of physical and verbal abuse. Hearings reportedly began without legal representation.
Palestinian-American activist Huwaida Arraf, Israeli-German citizen Zohar Chamberlain Regev, and Israeli national Omer Sharir remain held at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon. During court hearings, a judge warned they would remain detained indefinitely unless they signed documents — which they refused. All three are now on hunger strike.
While 89 participants have been released, deportations began on October 9. Among those expelled were three Turkish parliamentarians, Irish MP Barry John Heneghan, Belgian MP Bénédicte Linard, and French MPs Alma Dufour and Farida Amarni. Two Jordanian doctors were also deported by land.
Some detainees were coerced into signing false statements claiming they had entered Israeli territory illegally. Nine French citizens, including 82-year-old Isaline Choury, were among those deported to Turkey and are expected to reach Paris Friday evening.
All nine members of the Malaysian delegation, as well as volunteers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Greece, Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Azerbaijan, have reached Istanbul. Three Canadian activists — Mskwaasin Agnew, Khurram Musti Khan, and Nima Machouf — were released, while Nikita Stapleton, Sadie Mees, and Devoney Ellis remain detained.
French MP Mélissa Camara reportedly continues to face violence and humiliation by Israeli soldiers. Witnesses describe her abuse as part of a broader pattern of anti-Black racism within Israeli detention facilities.
The FFC said 25 French nationals remain in custody after being “kidnapped by Israel in international waters.” The remaining detainees are expected to be deported via Jordan in the coming days.
Condemning what it called “acts of maritime piracy,” the coalition urged all governments to demand the immediate release of all detainees and Palestinian political prisoners, as well as the return of seized vessels and property.
“The ceasefire Israel has already violated is the bare minimum,” the statement said. “The illegal blockade and decades-long occupation must end. Free Palestine.”
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