The Swiss “Waves of Freedom Association” (WOFA) has condemned the degrading and inhumane treatment inflicted by Israeli authorities on activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil initiative aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza.
In an official statement, the organization denounced the activists’ detention following the Israeli raid on the ships. It also declared that Israel “subjected Swiss citizens involved in the flotilla to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment” both physically and psychologically in violation of the UN Convention Against Torture.
According to the association, detainees were deprived of sleep, water, food, and medical care, and were subjected to verbal and psychological abuse. Several activists had their hands bound for hours without justification, and some were reportedly slapped, beaten, and kept in cages.
Israeli authorities refused to provide essential medical attention and necessary medications, including insulin for diabetics, as well as medicine for asthma and high blood pressure, it said.
The incident occurred last Wednesday when Israeli military forces intercepted and boarded 44 vessels that made up the Global Sumud Flotilla while sailing in international waters toward Gaza.
During the operation, hundreds of activists were unlawfully detained, many of whom were subjected to humiliating treatment and physical mistreatment.
Among them was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, before Israeli authorities began deportation procedures.
