Global Sumud Flotilla: Swiss participants detained in Ktzi'ot,
an Israeli prison in the Negev desert

October 3rd 2025, 5 pm GMT +2

According to information provided by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), participants of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” intercepted by the Israeli army are being held at Ktzi'ot prison, by far the largest prison facility in the country, located near Nitzana and the border crossing with Egypt. It can hold more than 3,500 prisoners in emergencies and is regularly criticized for its inhumane conditions.

Consistent testimonies report conditions of detention that clearly violate fundamental human rights: physical and psychological violence, deprivation of medical care, arbitrary restrictions on legal assistance, and attacks on human dignity. To date, our participants have not been able to meet with Swiss consular staff or exercise their right to contact their consulate, as guaranteed by Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Even more seriously, the Israeli Minister of National Security, Mr. Itamar Ben-Gvir, made statements recorded in front of our participants, exposing them publicly and accusing them of being “terrorists.”

These acts constitute serious violations of international obligations, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture (CAT).

The FDFA has indicated that the Swiss embassy, in coordination with other consular representations, is preparing an official visit and considers the repatriation of Swiss nationals a priority. Work is therefore underway, but we would like to reiterate the importance of maintaining transparent communication with the appointed lawyers to ensure a legal follow-up and keep families in Switzerland informed.

The defense of the participants is currently being organized on two levels:

• Legal defense, provided by Adalah, a group of independent lawyers based in Haifa and specializing in defending the rights of the Arab minority in Israel.
• Consular protection, provided by the FDFA and appointed Swiss lawyers, who represent Swiss nationals and ensure that their effective consular protection is guaranteed.

We urge the Swiss authorities to confirm the identification and effective consular protection of Swiss nationals, guarantee all detainees access to their lawyers, obtain a complete list of those arrested, and firmly remind the Israeli authorities of their international obligations.

Finally, we strongly urge the Swiss authorities to declare unequivocally that the interception of the Global Sumud flotilla and the resulting detentions are illegal, constitute violations of international law and fundamental human rights, and must be met with appropriate sanctions.

Spokespersons

Hicham El Ghaoui 076 732 92 42
Annie Serrati 078 690 10 82
Leïla Kamel 079 549 58 45

presse@waves-of-freedom.ch
@waves_of_freedom_switzerland
@globalmouvementtogaza.swiss

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