Rights Groups Warn of Severe Conditions for Flotilla Detainees in Occupied Palestine

Israel’s navy has captured boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, detaining hundreds of activists under conditions described as severe, drawing condemnation from governments and rights groups worldwide.

Omer Shatz, an Israeli international law expert at Paris’s Sciences Po University, said activists seized this time face confinement in Ketziot Prison, a maximum-security facility notorious for its harsh conditions.

He noted that processing such a large group may have pushed Israel to send the detainees there, but stressed Ketziot is not intended for immigration cases.

Israeli officials, including far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have called for prolonged detention of flotilla participants.

“There are serious concerns that activists may be treated more harshly than in previous flotilla missions,” rights group Adalah said.

Israel’s foreign ministry claimed no flotilla boats breached what it called a “lawful naval blockade” and announced detainees would be deported to Europe, though one vessel is still sailing.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the seizure as a “grave offence” against global solidarity.

He demanded the release of South African citizens, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and said the flotilla’s humanitarian cargo must be delivered to Gaza.

“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families,” Ramaphosa said, calling the detentions pointless and urging Israel to release the activists.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya said his ministry is exerting every effort to secure the release of Kuwaiti citizens seized from the flotilla.

According to flotilla trackers, two of three Kuwaiti nationals were taken after their boat was intercepted and brought to Ashdod port.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed 23 Malaysians were detained by Israeli forces and vowed to rally Middle Eastern leaders to secure their freedom.

“Once again, I emphasize that the injustices perpetrated by the Israeli regime must be stopped immediately,” Anwar said, pledging Malaysia will not remain silent.

Britain’s Foreign Office expressed “serious concern” and urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza through international agencies.

“The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organizations on the ground,” it said, stressing Israel must lift restrictions to end Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.

Flotilla organizers condemned Israeli regime’s forces for using “active aggression” to stop the boats, which were carrying food and medicine to Gaza.

Australia said it is aware of reports of its citizens being detained and called for the safety and humane treatment of all involved.

“Australia calls on all parties to respect international law,” its Foreign Ministry said.