Israel on Monday deported 171 foreign activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who were detained while attempting to break the Gaza blockade.
Israeli authorities on Monday deported 171 people detained for taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The foreign ministry said the deportees were citizens of several European countries and the United States.
Adalah lawyer Lubna Tuma, representing more than 470 flotilla participants, said 150 people remain held at Israel’s Ktziot prison, 40 of whom are on hunger strike. “Some stated that they prefer that their food go to the people in Gaza,” she said during a live briefing.
Tuma accused Israeli authorities of violating detainees’ rights during their arrest and transfer, alleging instances of “physical violence and humiliation.” Israeli officials denied the claims, saying detainees were treated appropriately and accused one activist of biting a female medic.
Several deported activists have since reported harsh treatment. “There was some dehumanizing and violence and shouting,” Dutch participant Roos Ykema told the Associated Press.