The flotilla aimed to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver aid. About 450 activists were arrested during the operation between Wednesday and Friday. The arrests sparked worldwide protests and criticism.

Deported activists accused Israeli forces of harsh treatment. They said they faced harassment, food deprivation, and humiliation while detained.

Italian activist Cesare Tofani said at Rome airport, “We were treated terribly… there was harassment from the army and police.” Another Italian journalist, Saverio Tommasi, said Israeli soldiers treated detainees “like monkeys” and denied them medicine.

Yassine Lafram, an Islamic community leader in Italy, said the group faced violence and had weapons pointed at them. He called the treatment “unacceptable for a democratic country.”

Another deported journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, described intimidation, including dogs being unleashed and laser sights pointed at detainees. He said prisoners were forced to kneel for hours and beaten.

Malaysian sisters and singers Heliza and Hazwani Helmi also described “brutal” detention. Hazwani said, “We drank from toilet water.” She added sick detainees were ignored by guards. Heliza said they went hungry for days.

Activists claimed Greta Thunberg was dragged on the ground, forced to kiss the Israeli flag, and used as propaganda.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry denied all abuse claims. It called the allegations “brazen lies” and said detainees’ legal rights were respected. The ministry said Thunberg and others refused to speed up deportation and never complained.

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However, far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the harsh treatment, saying “supporters of terrorism deserve it.”

The flotilla arrests received strong criticism from countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Colombia, and Greece. Protests in support of activists happened worldwide.