Flotilla Intercepted; Hundreds Deported, Thunberg Included

Israel said it deported 171 more Gaza‑bound flotilla activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, to Greece and Slovakia, bringing the total deported to about 341 while roughly 138 remain in custody. Detainees and some consulates have alleged mistreatment — Thunberg reportedly complained of dehydration, little food or water, bedbug‑infested conditions and being forced into propaganda photos, and other activists described beatings, hair‑pulling and denial of medical care. Israel has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “lies,” saying detainees’ legal rights were upheld and characterising the flotilla as a provocation or PR stunt. Many deportees have been flown to Greece, Turkey, Switzerland and other countries while governments and aid groups provide consular assistance and document allegations. The interception of the 40–50‑vessel Global Sumud/Freedom flotilla, which sought to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza during its ongoing offensive, has deepened international debate over the blockade’s legality and the treatment of humanitarian workers; activists say they will continue efforts to deliver aid.