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MALAYSIAN humanitarian activist and singer Hazwani Helmi has spoken out about the alleged mistreatment she and fellow detainees endured at the hands of Israeli forces during the recent Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla mission, claiming they were denied food, water, medicine and basic rights.
Hazwani, one of 23 Malaysian volunteers detained by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), landed safely in Istanbul at 8.40pm local time on Saturday after being held during the flotilla’s interception in international waters. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, she gave an interview to Al Jazeera in which she described the experience as “horrific”.
“It was terrible. What can I say? They treated us like animals,” she said. “We were not given food or clean drinking water. All our medicine and personal belongings were seized — even our bags and important documents.”
She added, “Until now we have not recovered our belongings. The world must know about their cruelty.”
Hazwani also revealed that renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was among the flotilla participants, was subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
“I remember clearly how they dragged her roughly and pressed the Israeli flag onto her face. They treated her like an animal,” she said.
Thunberg, 22, reportedly remains in Israeli military custody, with Swedish authorities said to be negotiating her release through diplomatic channels. International concern has mounted over her whereabouts and safety.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that all 23 Malaysians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission were safe and undergoing medical checks and psychological support in Turkey following their release.
The group was repatriated from Israel’s Ramon Airport aboard a special Turkish government aircraft, flight TK6921. They are expected to return to Malaysia early next week.
The Sumud Flotilla was launched in an effort to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The Israeli navy intercepted the fleet, detaining over 450 participants from numerous countries, sparking widespread condemnation and fresh scrutiny over the legality of Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
Al Jazeera reported today that several international activists deported from Israel after participating in a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla have accused Israeli forces of mistreating climate activist Greta Thunberg, alleging she was humiliated and used as propaganda during the raid.
The group of 137 deportees—among them 36 Turkish nationals and activists from the United States, Italy, Malaysia, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan and other countries—arrived in Istanbul on Saturday. Turkish officials confirmed the multi‑national returnees.
Turkish journalist and flotilla participant Ersin Celik, speaking to local media, claimed he witnessed Israeli forces “torture Greta Thunberg,” saying she was “dragged on the ground” and “forced to kiss the Israeli flag.”
“It was a disaster. They treated us like animals,” said Helmi, adding that detainees were deprived of food, clean water, and medication. Beaver said Thunberg was “treated terribly” and “used as propaganda,” recalling how she was shoved into a room when far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered.
Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino, also aboard the flotilla, said: “Greta Thunberg, a brave woman, is only 22 years old. She was humiliated and wrapped in an Israeli flag and exhibited like a trophy.”
Other deportees described brutal conditions in detention. Turkish TV presenter Ikbal Gurpinar said, “They treated us like dogs. They left us hungry for three days. They didn’t give us water; we had to drink from the toilet … It was a terribly hot day, and we were all roasting.” She added the ordeal gave her “a better understanding of Gaza.”
Turkish activist Aycin Kantoglu spoke of bloodstained prison walls and messages left by prior detainees: “We saw mothers writing their children’s names on the walls. We actually experienced a little bit of what Palestinians go through.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that 26 Italians had been deported, while 15 remained detained in Israel awaiting expulsion. Italian MP Arturo Scotto, a flotilla participant, said: “Those who were acting legally were the people aboard those boats; those who acted illegally were those who prevented them from reaching Gaza.”
ADALAH, an Israeli human rights group offering legal aid to detainees, reported that captives were forced to kneel with zip-tied hands for hours, denied medicine and barred from lawyer access. Israel’s foreign ministry denied the claims, calling them “complete lies,” and asserted that all deportees were accorded food, water, restroom access and legal rights.
The flotilla’s interception, which included the detention of over 450 people, has drawn international condemnation. Critics argue the incident highlights the illegality of Israel’s blockade that continues to isolate Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants during the ongoing conflict. - October 5, 2025