International Desk: The Freedom Flotilla and Experiences of Detained Activists w/ Global Movement to Gaza’s Acacia O’Connor: 9 October, 2025

New Zealanders Rana Hamida, Youseff Sammour and Sam Leason have been deported from Israel after being taken and detained from the Freedom Flotilla.

Another New Zealander, Will Alexander and his partner, German Citizen Ava Mulla, have also been detained from the second wave of Flotilla boats.

The activists are attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and carry humanitarian aid. 

Flotilla activists who have been detained and then deported from Israel have been mistreated by the Israeli military, including being abused and denied food and water.

Wire Host Caeden spoke with Acacia O’Connor, an actor and spokesperson for the Global Movement to Gaza, about the Freedom Flotilla and the experiences of detained activists.