Three Norwegian Gaza activists return home after Israeli detention

Three of the four Norwegian activists detained by Israeli forces during an attempt to break the Gaza blockade arrived in Oslo on Monday, while a fourth remains hospitalised with serious injuries, organisers confirmed.

The activists—Camilla Næss, Christoforos O’Moore, and Magnus De Besche—landed at Gardermoen Airport after being released from Israeli custody last week and transferred to Istanbul. They were among roughly 430 international activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by the Israeli military in mid-May while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Næss, 40, spoke to reporters at the airport with her arm in a sling, describing prolonged mistreatment. “I was held in a stress position for nearly ten hours,” she said. “I tore a tendon in my shoulder.” She showed visible bruising and alleged that fellow detainees had been beaten, adding, “It was more brutal than I could have imagined.”

The flotilla’s organisers claim at least 15 cases of sexual violence, including rape, occurred in detention, along with reports of activists being shot at close range with rubber bullets. In a statement, the group called the treatment “an attack on the international community” and demanded sanctions against Israel. Israeli authorities have denied allegations of abuse.

Næss urged Norwegian officials to take action. “We can no longer let Israel continue like this,” she said, adding that she intends to join future attempts to breach the blockade.

The activists were met by family members in an emotional reunion at the airport. A fourth Norwegian, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains in hospital with severe injuries sustained during the interception.