“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” ― Nelson Mandela
No quote has been more relevant than the one above as we watched on our screens the appalling treatment of Freedom Flotilla unarmed civilians who had been taken prisoner by Israel whilst on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the illegally blockaded Gaza.
Organised by The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) it has stated in a press release that :
” international volunteers abducted by Israeli forces during the violent hijacking of civilian vessels in international waters have now been released and deported.
“Two Korean nationals were deported to South Korea, one participant was deported to Egypt, two to Jordan, one Israeli citizen was released inside the country, and the remaining 422 participants were transferred to Istanbul aboard three Turkish Airlines flights arranged by the Turkish government.”
Those who took part in the flotilla of small boats spoke of their experiences in the hands of Israel. The statement continues:
” Testimonies are still being collected, but we have already documented severe bruising, injuries consistent with broken ribs, and numerous reports of physical abuse.
“We have also received deeply disturbing accounts of sexual humiliation and degrading treatment carried out by Israeli forces. In one case, a participant was stripped naked and forced to run while under threat of physical violence.”
These acts in attempts to degrade and humiliate those seized by Israel has drawn condemnation from leaders around the world.
On 21 May the UK Government summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office following the inflammatory video posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
In an official statement Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs stated:
“The summoning reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people.
“We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved.
“The flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid underlines the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel must ensure significantly more aid can enter safely and at scale through land routes.”
What are the conditions in Gaza now ?
Dr. Renee Van de Weerdt, of the World Health Organization (WHO ), said that “Nothing prepares you for Gaza.”
Vital medical supplies and equipment is being blocked from getting in, and there have been 22 attacks on Health Facilities this year – this is despite there being a ‘ceasefire’. Israel has continued with its attacks, and the blockade of supplies which is illegal – and a war crime. The Gaza Genocide continues.
Dr. Renee Van de Weerdt said that barely half of the hospitals are “partially functional”, while not a single hospital can be considered fully operational.
“One of the key reasons these facilities are not functioning is because they are struggling with critical shortages of medical supplies.”
Today, Saturday 23 May, islanders in Orkney will continue their Peace Vigil on the Kirk Green, outside St Magnus Cathedral, between 1 and 2pm. All are welcome to join them who wish to see an end to the Genocide in Gaza, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
This article started with a quote from Nelson Mandela. What the world witnessed in the appalling video of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting prisoners and of their mistreatment, was a mere fraction of what Palestinian prisoners are being subjected to.
The Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories reports:
“At the end of December 2025, the Israel Prison Service (IPS) was holding 9,128 Palestinians in detention or in prison on what it defined “security” grounds, including 1,477 from the Gaza Strip. At that time, the IPS was also holding 2,062 Palestinians, 21 of them from the Gaza Strip, for being in Israel illegally. “
The Israeli Knesset (Parliament) voted on May 11 2026 to create a special tribunal within the military justice system with the authority to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks. This is in addition to the Death Penalty for Terrorists law passed in March 2026. The trials will be held in public and the law “mandates that the filming and public broadcast of the key moments in these trials will be available on a specific website for the public to view.” – Death Penalty Information Centre.
The New York Times published horrifying accounts of the rape and torture of Palestinians taking place in Israeli prisons. It is being sued by the Israeli government over the article.
Commenting on the treatment of their participants The Freedom Flotilla stated:
“What flotilla participants experienced was only a small glimpse of the violence routinely inflicted upon Palestinians with far less international visibility and no protection.
“Nearly 10,000 Palestinians — including more than 350 children — remain imprisoned by Israel. Human rights organizations and former detainees have documented widespread torture, rape, sexual violence, starvation, medical neglect, and other grave abuses inside Israeli detention facilities.
“Over the past two years alone, at least 100 Palestinian detainees have reportedly died in Israeli custody due to torture, starvation, or denial of medical care.”
The Orkney News has reported the vigils taking place in our islands since they started at the end of October 2023. Films and interviews of those attending can also be found on our YouTube Channel. Here is the latest:
Orkney Peace Vigil, Saturday 23 May, 1 – 2pm, Kirk Green, Broad Street, Kirkwall.
Fiona Grahame