Israel deports 29 extra Gaza help flotilla activists

Israel has deported an additional 29 activists detained by the navy final week for collaborating in a flotilla that sought to ship help to blockaded Gaza, the overseas ministry stated on Sunday (October 5, 2025).

The flotilla, which set sail in late August, marked the most recent try by activists to problem the Israeli naval blockade of the territory the place Israel has been waging an offensive since Hamas’ October 2023 assault. Israel says that the blockade is authorized and has known as the flotilla a provocation.

Israel has thus far deported not less than 170 of the greater than 450 activists it detained. The authorities has confronted accusations of mistreatment, together with allegations that some activists have been denied entry to their legal professionals – claims that the overseas ministry denies.

ISRAELI LEGAL CENTRE SAYS SOME ACTIVISTS ALLEGE ABUSE

The overseas ministry on Sunday (October 5) stated that the authorized rights of the activists have been being “fully upheld” and that some had chosen to not signal deportation orders waiving their proper to a 72-hour delay, which might have allowed them to be deported sooner.

Adalah, a authorized middle in Israel representing the activists, stated a few of these detained have alleged abuse and bodily violence whereas in Israeli custody. Other accusations of mistreatment embody being denied medical therapy and drugs, and in a single case, a Muslim lady was allegedly compelled to take away her hijab and was supplied a shirt as a alternative.

Asked concerning the allegations, an Israeli overseas ministry spokesperson accused Adalah of “repeating outright lies”.

“All the detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld, and they were all given access to water, food, and restrooms. They were not denied access to legal counsel, and of course, no physical force was used against them,” the spokesperson stated.

ISRAELI OFFICIALS REPEATEDLY DENOUNCE FLOTILLA

The Greek overseas ministry stated its ambassador had visited its 27 residents who had been detained and that they have been all in “good health”. The ministry stated the Greek nationals have been anticipated to be deported on Monday (October 6).

The South African authorities additionally stated a delegation had visited its detained residents, who have been reported to be in “good health and high spirits”.

Israeli officers have repeatedly denounced the flotilla as a stunt. As it sailed nearer, Israel had supplied to switch to Gaza the help the flotilla was carrying in coordination with a overseas authorities. Israel’s overseas ministry has stated {that a} “small quantity” of help had been carried by the flotilla.

The flotilla organisers have stated that claims it was carrying “little to no humanitarian aid” have been false. A brand new flotilla comprising 11 vessels is trying to make its approach to Gaza, together with a vessel carrying medics and journalists.