The German Foreign Office confirmed that 14 German nationals who took part in the Gaza aid flotilla have been deported to Greece. A ministry spokeswoman said the individuals were received by staff from the German embassy upon arrival.
The incident follows the Israeli Navy’s interception last week of 42 boats carrying aid supplies for the Gaza Strip in the Mediterranean. More than 400 crew members from dozens of countries were involved, drawing significant international attention. Among the notable participants were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Many of those detained have since been deported, with 160 landing in Athens on Monday, according to the Greek Foreign Ministry.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla have accused Israeli authorities of subjecting participants to physical and verbal abuse while in custody. Lubna Tuma, a lawyer representing the flotilla, alleged that detainees were held with their hands tied behind their backs under the sun, forced to kneel, and insulted. Women were reportedly targeted with verbal humiliation, and one incident allegedly involved a woman being kicked in the head. The Israeli Foreign Ministry denied these allegations, stating that the rights of the pro‑Palestinian activists were “fully respected.”
The Gaza aid flotilla was intended to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip, which faces severe challenges due to the ongoing Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. The episode has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from various international organizations and governments. As the situation unfolds, attention will remain on the treatment of the detained activists and the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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