22.05.2026 06:40
Italian activists detained from the Global Sumud Fleet after Israeli forces intervened have returned to their country. Greeted by Palestine supporters in Rome, the activists alleged they were subjected to mistreatment and violence. They claim Israeli forces held them in containers, assaulted them, and confiscated their personal belongings. Criticizing the Italian government as well, the activists stated they will continue their struggle against the events in Gaza.
Some of the Italian activists who were detained by Israeli forces in international waters from the Global Sumud Fleet have returned to their country. The activists, welcomed by Palestine supporters at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, claimed that Israeli forces mistreated them.
Eighteen of the 29 Italian activists on the Global Sumud Fleet arrived in Italy via Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Rome flight. The activists were greeted at the airport by their families and Palestine supporters, chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
“WE RETURNED WITH BROKEN BONES”
Activist Luca Poggi claimed that Israeli forces intervened more harshly than in previous missions, stating, "This time we literally return with our bones broken." Criticizing the Italian government, Poggi alleged that European countries remained silent on the events in Gaza.
“THEY ONLY GAVE US NUMBERED BRACELETS”
Activist Martina Comparelli alleged that Israeli forces unlawfully detained them, saying, "They took all our personal belongings and gave us only a numbered bracelet. We did not know what would happen." Comparelli also stated that they had no contact with any Italian diplomat until reaching Turkey.
“IT WAS LIKE A FLOATING CONCENTRATION CAMP”
Activist Marco Orefice also claimed they were mistreated during the detention process. Orefice said, "Fifty of us were forced to live inside a container. There were barbed wire, searchlights, and snipers." Italian MP Dario Carotenuto and journalist Alessandro Mantovani reportedly arrived in Rome via Athens.