The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has confirmed that 14 journalists detained by Israeli authorities while covering events from the vessel Conscience, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), have been released. These journalists were apprehended on October 8 near the Suez Canal, amidst the FFC’s protest against the blockade of Gaza, which featured nine boats transporting nationals from 30 countries and medical supplies valued at $110,000.
Emily Wilder, one of the journalists on board, reported that the Israeli military intercepted their vessel, detaining the crew for 12 hours before the ship reached the port of Ashdod. Despite identifying herself as a member of the press and displaying her press card, Wilder described her encounter with an Israeli soldier who confiscated and read her press notebook before returning it. Another journalist recounted being restrained, with their press card seized.
Upon arrival in Ashdod, journalist Noa Avishag Schnall shared a harrowing account of her experiences, describing “brutality,” including strip searches and threats of rape. Fellow detainees reported theft of their possessions, and Schnall detailed her treatment with “extreme brutality,” including being “hung from metal shackles” and beaten. Pressure was reportedly exerted on detainees to confess to illegal entry into Israeli territory and to accept voluntary deportation.
In response to these events, the CPJ strongly condemned the detentions, emphasizing that these actions significantly undermine press freedom. Sara Qudah, CPJ’s Regional Director, urged Israeli authorities to grant international journalists unimpeded access to Gaza, particularly in light of the ceasefire agreement.
The situation also drew criticism from the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, who emphasized that the journalists involved were attempting to challenge what she referred to as Israel’s severe restrictions on international media’s access to Gaza. Khan condemned the detentions as an attack on unarmed civilians and a breach of international law. Additional reporting can be found on JURIST.