Israeli occupation authorities released all activists of the "Global Fleet of Steadfastness" on Thursday, May 21, 2026, following their detention in Ketziot Prison. The Adalah Legal Center confirmed the release, stating they received official notification from the occupation authorities, including the Prisons Service, on the same day. This official confirmation, received by the Adalah Legal Center on Thursday, May 21, 2026, directly from the Israeli Prisons Service, showed the formal conclusion of their detention. These activists were participants in the "Global Fleet of Steadfastness," and their release comes after allegations of mistreatment by Israeli occupation forces, with reports indicating the release followed days of detention accompanied by assaults, torture, and mistreatment. Participants in the "Global Fleet of Steadfastness" were subjected to mistreatment by Israeli occupation forces after their arrest in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
The alleged mistreatment occurred after their arrest in international waters near the Greek island of Crete. Currently, the majority of the released participants are being transferred to Ramon Airport. They are awaiting deportation, concluding their detention period. This transfer to Ramon Airport for deportation marks the final stage of their ordeal. The process of transferring the majority of participants to Ramon Airport for their impending deportation signifies the immediate aftermath of their release from Ketziot Prison.
Details of Arrest and Detention
The Israeli occupation army announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, that it had taken control of the Global Fleet of Steadfastness and arrested 100 activists. The fleet comprised dozens of participating boats, which were seized as part of the operation. The "Global Fleet of Steadfastness" saw dozens of participating boats seized and hundreds of activists arrested, including 7 Algerians. On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Hebrew website "Walla" cited an Israeli army source stating that over 40 boats heading to Gaza were seized, leading to the arrest of 300 activists. This report from "Walla" on May 19, 2026, provided a more extensive count of the vessels intercepted and individuals detained, suggesting a larger scale of intervention than initially announced. The boat named "Sirius," which was the closest to Gaza, was located 145 nautical miles away from the coast. This vessel, despite its distance, was still intercepted by the Israeli forces, noting the extensive reach of the operation.
Among the hundreds of activists arrested were seven Algerian nationals. These Algerian activists were identified as being on several hijacked ships. Amour Abdelkader was aboard the vessel "Josef," while Boukhari Chamseddine was on the "Sadabad." Bourouba Abdelkader was listed as being on the "Amanda." The ship "Themis" carried Tibbi Mohamed Khair Eddine and Harkati Mohamed Cherif Eddine. Additionally, Waleed Hamza and Baza Anwar were aboard the "Holy Blue." These individuals represent just a fraction of the diverse group of activists who embarked on the mission, hailing from various countries across the globe.
Approximately 100 activists, including those mentioned, were arrested during the operation. Following their apprehension, they were transferred to military ships. From these vessels, they were either deported directly to Ashdod port or detained in what was described as a "floating prison." About 100 activists were arrested and transferred to military ships for deportation to Ashdod port or detention in a "floating prison." This initial transfer and subsequent detention marked the beginning of their confinement under Israeli authority, setting the stage for the alleged mistreatment that followed.
Allegations of Abuse and Violations
The release of the activists followed days of detention that included allegations of assaults, torture, and mistreatment. Several activists reported experiencing severe violence, with some describing the use of electric shock devices. During the arrest and interception of boats, the repeated use of electric shock devices and injuries from rubber bullets were recorded. These accounts paint a grim picture of the methods employed by the Israeli occupation forces during the apprehension of the fleet, with specific reports detailing the use of electric shock.
At least three individuals were reportedly transferred to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during their arrest and subsequent detention. Among the detainees, there were reported cases of suspected broken ribs and individuals experiencing breathing difficulties. These injuries highlight the physical trauma inflicted upon the activists, necessitating medical intervention for at least three individuals. Beyond physical violence, activists also reported being subjected to insults, humiliating treatment, and sexual harassment during their time in custody. Israeli authorities were accused of removing the hijab from some female participants in the fleet, an act widely condemned as a violation of religious and personal freedom. These numerous allegations point to a pattern of mistreatment extending beyond physical harm to psychological and cultural affronts, raising serious concerns about human rights during the detention period.
Context and Official Statements
The Israeli occupation navy began intercepting the "Global Fleet of Steadfastness" in international waters near Cyprus, according to reports. This interception point near Cyprus marked the initial engagement between the Israeli navy and the international flotilla. Organizers of the fleet stated that Israeli occupation forces intercepted 41 boats in the eastern Mediterranean, while 10 boats were still sailing towards the Gaza Strip. The fleet had originally set off from Marmaris, Turkey, and comprised approximately 54 ships carrying doctors, lawyers, and activists from over 70 countries. This diverse composition showed the international nature of the mission, aiming to draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and challenge the existing blockade. The participation of individuals from over 70 countries, including medical professionals and legal experts, emphasized the broad international concern and the humanitarian objectives articulated by the fleet's organizers.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Tel Aviv would not allow any breach of the naval blockade on Gaza. The ministry called for participants in the fleet to change course and return from their mission. The fleet's attempt to break the siege on Gaza was described by the Israeli Foreign Ministry as "provocative" and a "propaganda show." The ministry further claimed Gaza is "drowning in aid," stating that over 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies had entered Gaza since October 2025. This statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry aimed to counter the narrative of a humanitarian crisis and justify their actions against the fleet, presenting statistics on aid delivery to support their claims. The assertion that 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies had reached Gaza since October 2025 was a key component of the Israeli government's defense of its naval blockade and its actions against the fleet.
International Reactions
The Adalah Center, a legal organization, confirmed that the events surrounding the detention and alleged mistreatment of the activists constituted "a flagrant violation of international law." Separately, the Italian government described Israel's treatment of the activists as "unacceptable." Following these concerns, Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador for an official clarification regarding the incidents. This diplomatic action by Italy showed the international community's concern over the reported abuses, prompting a direct engagement with Israeli representatives. The Italian government stated that Israel's treatment of the activists was "unacceptable" and summoned the Israeli ambassador for clarification, signaling a strong protest against the actions taken by Israeli forces. The Adalah Center's strong condemnation further emphasizes the serious nature of the allegations, framing them within the broader context of international legal frameworks and noting the potential breaches of established norms and conventions.
