6 October 2025 | 11:52 CAT
4-minute read

Reports from deported GSF participants; Israel continues genocide in Gaza despite Trump’s “peace plan”

South African activists detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla’s attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza have reportedly faced severe mistreatment, according to human rights organisations and released detainees.

The flotilla, comprising of 42 vessels and 462 activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on 1-2 October 2025.

Among those detained are South African citizens Reaaz Moola, Dr Zaheera Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Zukiswa Wanner, Carolyn Shelver, and Mandla Mandela.

A specialised team from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Sunday met with the SA delegation at the Negev Israeli Prison facility. Reports confirmed that the detainees are in good health and high spirits, and assured that procedures for their safe return are steadily advancing.

Of the 462 activists Israel kidnapped, 134 have been deported.

Legal center Adalah has documented numerous allegations of abuse from those freed, including physical violence, denial of chronic medical supplies, and religious discrimination. Reports indicate that detainees were subjected to sleep deprivation, inadequate food and water, and confinement in unsanitary conditions. Additionally, some detainees were reportedly forced to remove religious attire and were denied access to prayer.

“The overall picture is one of denial – very, very clearly – of life-saving medications, people on chronic medication, food and water situation being very bad in terms of, insect infested or no food at all, overcrowding and then torture as well, blindfolding, handcuffing, beatings, etc. Religious discrimination, people or sisters being forced to remove their hijab, being blocked from performing salaah,” Moulana Ebrahim Moosa said during this week’s Palestine Report.

After his deportation, Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino who was on board the GSF reported that environmental activist Greta Thunberg was humiliated by Israeli officers—forced to crawl, wrapped in an Israeli flag, and surrounded for photographs.

He reported that other women, such as a participant named Hanan, were kicked, ordered to lower their heads, and punished for looking up.

Items linked to Palestine, including flags and symbols, were torn or confiscated. D’Agostino said guards reacted aggressively upon finding a Quran in his bag.

“This Italian journalist saying that they opened up our bags and again, anything linked to Palestine was thrown out, but he had a copy of the Quran. And when they found this Quran in his bag, they actually went berserk, convinced that he was a Muslim. He speaks about when Itamar Ben Gavir appears on the scene. And he says that was a moment where the Israeli prison guards do their best to please their master and really become the most monstrous.”

Detainees reported injuries from tight plastic restraints, lack of medical care, sleep deprivation, and denial of water, with some suffering broken arms.

Moulana Moosa noted that these abuses highlight a grim reality: if international activists endured such treatment over two days, conditions for the more than 10 000 Palestinian prisoners detained long-term are likely far worse.

“If this is what they endured in one or two days, how [infinitely] worse is it going to be for Palestinian prisoners who endure these conditions on a daily basis?”

Representatives from Hamas, Israel, and several regional powers are expected to meet in Egypt to discuss the latest US-brokered peace proposal. The plan, advanced by former US President Donald Trump, has generated cautious responses from all sides — and growing scepticism about its intent and implementation.

Hamas’s reply to the proposal was described as neither full acceptance nor outright rejection. Analysts say the group faced immense pressure to avoid appearing as an obstacle to peace. “They tried, in one way, to appease Trump’s ego,” said one observer, noting that the surprise came not from Hamas’s response, but from how swiftly Trump embraced it — even posting their reply in full on his social media account.

The Hamas statement was reportedly structured in two parts: the first outlining immediate measures to end the war, and the second emphasising that political questions about the future governance of Palestine should be determined through wider Palestinian dialogue.

Within 48 hours of Trump’s public call for Israel to “halt the bombing of Gaza,” Israeli forces carried out 138 airstrikes, deployed four explosive vehicles to destroy residential neighbourhoods, and killed at least 98 Palestinians.

Trump later claimed that “very positive discussions” were underway and referred to the completion of “phase one” of the agreement within the week — a term that had not appeared in earlier drafts.

“This raises very big questions,” said Moulana Moosa. “When this was announced, there was no suggestion of phases. Suddenly, there’s phase one for prisoner releases and a second for the remaining provisions.”

Critics argue this shift suggests an evolving — and potentially manipulated — interpretation of the plan. They warn that Israel may comply with prisoner releases only to disregard subsequent obligations, effectively side-lining Hamas and other Palestinian representatives once initial objectives are met.

Two days after Trump’s ceasefire appeal, Israeli operations remained ongoing across more than half of the Gaza Strip.

“It shows how the Israelis and the Americans interpret the concept of cessation of war,” Moulana Moosa said.

“With troops still deployed in over 50 percent of Gaza, it’s clear that the violence hasn’t stopped.”

The unfolding situation, marked by shifting terms and continued bombardment, has left observers doubtful about any genuine progress toward peace.

For Palestinians in Gaza, the reality remains unchanged: the bombs have not stopped and the blockade persists.

Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Muallima Annisa Essack.