Global Sumud Flotilla Participants Detained in Israel Amid Controversy

Since Thursday, over 400 individuals aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have been detained by the Israeli military after their boats were intercepted in international waters. Among those detained are approximately 40 Italian citizens. As of now, these individuals are required to indicate whether they accept voluntary expulsion or plan to remain, although repatriation is expected within the coming days. It remains uncertain how the Israeli authorities will handle those who had participated in previous missions aimed at breaching the naval blockade of Gaza and have been arrested by Israel before. The boarding of the boats commenced on Wednesday evening and concluded by midday Thursday. Those onboard, including activists, politicians, and journalists, were taken to the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, approximately 40 kilometers from Gaza. Here, Israeli authorities have begun the process of identification, after which the detainees will be transferred to Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert, known for its particularly harsh conditions. Notably, several political figures, including Senator Marco Croatti from the Five Star Movement, MEP Annalisa Corrado and MP Arturo Scotto from the Democratic Party, and MEP Benedetta Scuderi from Europa Verde, were released on Friday and have since made their way back to Italy. Miriam Azem, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Palestinian NGO Adalah, which provides legal support to activists, informed Corriere della Sera that the Israeli authorities are attempting to categorize the Flotilla participants as having entered Israel illegally to facilitate expulsion. Azem argues that this assertion is unfounded for two main reasons: firstly, the boats were intercepted in international waters, where Israel has no legal authority, and secondly, the individuals were forcibly taken to Israel by the military against their will. Initially, Adalah’s lawyers were barred from participating in discussions that took place at the Ashdod immigration office. After several hours, some legal representatives were finally granted access. In the next couple of days, the activists will be solicited to declare if they wish to accept voluntary expulsion. Should they agree, they could be expelled and repatriated by the following week. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani indicated that two flights are planned for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday, although he did not confirm if they would return directly to Italy or first land in other European capitals like Madrid or London. For those who refuse to accept voluntary expulsion, they may face a court appearance to validate their detention, before still being expelled, as has been precedented with similar humanitarian and political missions. Notably among the Flotilla participants are activists such as Greta Thunberg, who had previously taken part in missions resulting in her arrest and expulsion by Israel, and the Italian Antonio La Piccirella. It remains unclear how the Israeli authorities will classify and treat these repeat participants, although, according to Adalah, they should be regarded as first-time detainees. The Italian ambassador to Tel Aviv, Luca Ferrari, mentioned that a singular expulsion order may be executed for all participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Ferrari also confirmed that consular visits for the detained Italians are scheduled, with one having occurred that morning and another planned for Sunday. As for the flotilla boats, reports indicate they have been moored at the port of Ashdod and may be moved to an anchorage area nearby. Meanwhile, one boat, the Marinette, is still en route to Gaza, having evaded interception as it remained far from the otherboats' location. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3