Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 70 detainees from the intercepted Gaza aid flotilla departed Israel on Monday. Most released individuals flew to Greece before continuing to their home countries, and the group consisted of 28 French citizens, 27 Greeks, 15 Italians, and nine Swedes. Twenty-one Spaniards returned home separately on Sunday, but 28 Spanish nationals remained in Israeli custody.
Israel intercepted 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians who attempted to breach the blockade with humanitarian supplies for Gaza on Wednesday. An Israeli official reported on Thursday that authorities prevented more than 400 people aboard the boats from reaching Palestinian territory. The United Nations has confirmed famine conditions in Gaza.
Several Italian detainees reported degrading treatment by Israeli authorities after their Saturday release. Journalist Saverio Tommasi stated Israeli captors struck him on the back and head. Spanish returnee Rafael Borrego described repeated physical and mental abuse suffered by detainees.
The final 15 Italians awaited judicial expulsion after refusing to sign voluntary release forms. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirmed embassy staff visited the nine Swedish detainees in Tel Aviv before Israeli authorities authorized their Monday departure.
Israel intercepted 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians who attempted to breach the blockade with humanitarian supplies for Gaza on Wednesday. An Israeli official reported on Thursday that authorities prevented more than 400 people aboard the boats from reaching Palestinian territory. The United Nations has confirmed famine conditions in Gaza.
Several Italian detainees reported degrading treatment by Israeli authorities after their Saturday release. Journalist Saverio Tommasi stated Israeli captors struck him on the back and head. Spanish returnee Rafael Borrego described repeated physical and mental abuse suffered by detainees.
The final 15 Italians awaited judicial expulsion after refusing to sign voluntary release forms. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirmed embassy staff visited the nine Swedish detainees in Tel Aviv before Israeli authorities authorized their Monday departure.
