What legal process awaits Gaza flotilla activists in 'Israel'?

'Israeli' naval forces have intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza, detaining hundreds of activists in what has become a recurring standoff between pro-Palestinian campaigners and 'Israel’s' blockade of the enclave.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 40 civilian vessels carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, was stopped as it attempted to deliver aid to Palestinians. Among those on board were high-profile figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French lawmaker Rima Hassan, both of whom have previously joined efforts to breach the blockade.

- Previous interceptions by 'Israeli' authorities -

In past flotilla attempts, those detained were not criminally prosecuted but instead processed under immigration procedures before being deported. When Thunberg participated in a similar mission in June, she and three others signed deportation orders that waived their right to a 72-hour appeal, allowing for immediate expulsion from 'Israel'.

Others refused to sign. Hassan and several French nationals argued they had never sought to enter 'Israel' voluntarily and were taken there against their will. They were eventually deported after appearing before a tribunal, with legal representatives saying they were banned from returning to 'Israel' for a century. Hassan was also briefly placed in solitary confinement, according to an NGO that supported her case.

- Legal handling of detainees -

Adalah, a human rights and legal centre in 'Israel', is preparing to represent the newly detained activists. Suhad Bishara, the organisation’s legal director, said her team was waiting for the arrivals at 'Israel’s' Ashdod port.

"Once the flotilla crews arrived, they would be identified and transferred to the immigration authority to process them for anticipated deportation, before being moved into custody, likely in Ketziot Prison in southern Israel," Bishara explained. "Our main concern of this stage, of course, is their well-being, their health condition as well, making sure that they all get the legal advice prior to the hearings in the Immigration Tribunal and while (they are) in Israeli prison."

- Detention in high-security facilities -

Omer Shatz, an 'Israeli' international law expert at Sciences Po University in Paris, noted that activists may face different conditions this time.

He pointed out that Ketziot Prison, where they are likely to be sent, is a high-security facility not typically used for immigration cases. He said processing such a large group, around 500 detainees, could be driving 'Israel’s' decision, but warned that the prison is "known for its harsh conditions."

- Concerns about harsher treatment -

Adalah has raised alarms that activists could be treated more severely than in previous missions. The organisation highlighted recent proposals from 'Israeli' officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, suggesting prolonged detention for participants.

"There are serious concerns that activists may be treated more harshly than in previous flotilla missions," Adalah said.