Sumud Flotilla Intercepted; Hundreds Detained, Deported

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla — about 40–42 vessels carrying more than 400 activists — as they sought to challenge the Gaza blockade, detaining hundreds. Israeli authorities deported 171 people on Monday to Greece and Slovakia, including Greta Thunberg, and said those flights brought total deportations to 341 with roughly 138 people still held. Detainees from numerous countries have alleged degrading and abusive treatment in custody — including denial of food and water, bedbug‑infested cells, forced humiliations and physical injuries, with some alleging that Thunberg was shoved and dragged by her hair — while others described being forced to kneel face‑down and beaten. Several governments and diplomats have intervened: Ireland confirmed 16 citizens released and returning home, Greece and Turkey arranged repatriation flights, Australia is providing consular visits and U.S. lawmakers have demanded assurances for detained Americans. The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected the activists’ accounts as a “pre‑planned fake‑news campaign,” said legal rights were upheld and described reported violence as isolated. International concern and consular efforts continue as activists are returned and inquiries into detainee treatment proceed.