Nine Swiss Gaza Flotilla Activists Return to Switzerland, Allege Inhumane Detention

Swiss Activists Return with Allegations of Mistreatment

Nine Swiss activists, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, arrived back in Switzerland on Sunday, October 5, 2025, after being deported by Israeli authorities. Upon their return, the activists and their representative group, Waves of Freedom, alleged they endured 'inhumane detention conditions' and 'humiliating and degrading treatment' during their custody in Israel.

The group of 19 Swiss nationals was among hundreds of international activists aboard dozens of vessels intercepted by Israeli forces on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, while attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza.

Details of Alleged Detention Conditions Emerge

The returning activists described a range of harsh conditions during their detention at Ktzi'ot prison in southern Israel. Their allegations include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Lack of adequate water and food
• Instances of being beaten and kicked
• Being locked in cages
• Forced to lie down in the sun with heads to the ground, kneeling for an hour.

A statement from the Waves of Freedom group condemned the treatment, asserting that participants suffered 'humiliating and degrading treatment they suffered upon their arrest and incarceration.'

Israel Denies Claims Amidst Diplomatic Efforts

In response to the allegations, Israel's foreign ministry has consistently denied any mistreatment, describing such reports as 'complete lies.' Israeli officials stated that the legal rights of the activists were 'fully upheld,' that no physical force was used, and that all detainees were provided access to water, food, and restrooms.

The Swiss government has been actively involved, with the Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv visiting the ten remaining Swiss nationals in prison on Sunday, October 5. The embassy reported that the detainees were in 'relatively good health, given the circumstances,' and affirmed efforts to ensure their prompt return. Switzerland also announced it would file a diplomatic protest to Israel after a visit by Swiss diplomats to the detainees was curtailed.

Ongoing Detention and International Context

Of the 19 Swiss nationals initially aboard the flotilla, ten remain detained in Israel. Among those still held is Remy Pagani, the former mayor of Geneva. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising dozens of vessels and over 400 activists from various countries, aimed to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Other prominent figures detained during the interception included Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who have since been deported.

The interception and subsequent detentions have sparked international condemnation and protests in several Swiss cities, calling for the release of all activists and an end to the Gaza blockade.