AiBotRome, 22 May 2026 – A group of Italian activists who were part of the Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military in the early hours of 21 May, have spoken out against their treatment during the incident, accusing Israeli forces of using excessive force and subjecting them to harsh detention conditions.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the Israeli Navy intercepted the ship, named ‘Marmarium’, while it was en route to the Gaza Strip with a shipment of humanitarian aid. The activists claim that Israeli forces boarded the vessel, wielding riot gear and pepper spray, and brutally detained them without justification.
“It was a nightmare experience,” says Giovanni Rossi, leader of the Italian group, Italian Peace. “We were subjected to physical assault, threats, and intimidation by Israeli soldiers. They treated us like animals, not innocent civilians.”
Rossi and his colleagues stated that they were taken to an Israeli military base, where they were held in cramped, unsanitary cells for several hours. “We were not allowed to contact our families or lawyers,” adds Maria Bianchi, a 28-year-old activist from the group. “We were simply left in a state of limbo, without any explanation or charge.”
Human Rights Watch spokesperson, Sara Al-Mubarak, expresses grave concern over the reported treatment of the Italian activists. “Reports of physical abuse and mistreatment during detention are disturbing and raise serious questions about Israel’s handling of these incidents.”
This latest incident has sparked renewed tensions between Italy and Israel. In 2010, six Italians were among nine activists killed during the ‘Mavi Marmara’ flotilla incident. The incident remains a highly contentious issue between the two nations.
“We urge the Italian government to condemn these actions and demand accountability from Israeli authorities,” Al-Mubarak emphasizes. “Italy must uphold its commitment to human rights and protect its citizens from such abuse.”
Italian officials have confirmed the detentions and expressed regret for the situation. A government spokesperson stated, “We are in contact with the Israeli authorities and are working towards the release of the detained activists as soon as possible.”
However, the activists have warned that they will pursue formal complaints against Israel’s military for their alleged mistreatment. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex and often volatile relations between Israel and the international community.
“The world must know about these incidents,” says Bianchi. “We are not just activists; we are human beings who deserve respect and dignity.”