Israel Places Two Freedom Flotilla Activists in Solitary Confinement, Sparks Human Rights Outcry

Occupied Palestine  (Quds News Network)- Israel has placed two prominent activists from the humanitarian ship Madleen in solitary confinement, according to a statement from the legal center Adalah. The move is raising alarm among human rights groups and supporters of the Freedom Flotilla, which sought to break the Israeli siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

The two detainees are Brazilian activist Tiago Ávila and French-Palestinian Member of European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan. Israeli authorities transferred them to separate prisons — Ávila to Ayalon Prison and Hassan to Neve Tirza — where both remain in isolation, Adalah said in a press release.

“These actions represent a serious violation of their rights and aim to exert psychological and political pressure,” Adalah warned.

According to Adalah, Ávila has been on hunger and water strike for two days. Prison authorities have treated him with “hostility,” although no physical assault has been reported. Hassan was placed in isolation after writing “Free Palestine” on a prison wall. She is being held in a small, dirty cell and denied outdoor access.

Hassan has since started a hunger strike, French MP Thomas Portes confirmed on X.

Tiago Ávila’s wife described his condition as “harsh and worrying.” Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, she said Ávila’s lawyer was informed that Israeli officials threatened to extend his solitary confinement by seven more days. This would violate Israeli law itself. The lawyer said she intends to appeal to Israel’s Supreme Court if the isolation is prolonged.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Israel would deport four detained French activists, including Hassan, by Thursday or Friday. He praised French diplomats for achieving a “swift outcome.”

The Madleen was part of the Freedom Flotilla coalition, a civilian initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza by sea. The Israeli navy intercepted the vessel last week in international waters and kidnapped all activists on board.

Adalah condemned the Israeli government’s handling of the situation. “These measures are part of a systematic policy targeting leading figures in a peaceful humanitarian mission,” the center said, calling for the activists’ immediate release and safe return.

The case has sparked global outrage. Advocates are urging international organizations to hold Israel accountable for the kidnapping and abuse of peaceful activists.