Pro-Palestinian activists from two Gaza-bound ships intercepted by Israel’s Navy remain in Israeli custody as they fight their deportation.

The ships, one Canadian the other Irish, had a total of 27 passengers and reportedly carried a symbolic amount of medical supplies and letters of solidarity for Gazans. They were intercepted and taken to Israel’s Ashdod port on Nov. 4.

The Israeli military said that the boarding was conducted without any injuries, though a Canadian activist told Canadian media that he was Tasered and bruised as he was removed from the boat. An Arab-Israeli student from Haifa, Majid Kial, said the commandos pointed a gun at his head. Israel’s military denies the accusations.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Kial, two Greek crewmen, and journalists from Egypt, Spain and the United States were returned to their homes on Saturday. The 21 activists still in Israeli custody are from Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland and the United States, according to the AFP news service. They will have a hearing in front of a judge within 72 hours, according to reports.

Some of the Navy commandos that took part in the operation also were part of the 2010 raid on the Turkish ship the Mavi Marmara, in which nine Turkish nationals were killed, according to Ynet.

Israeli authorities claimed the attempt to break the Gaza blockade is no more than an effort to embarrass Israel and undermine its security

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism so that we can be prepared for whatever news 2025 brings.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount