Israel Releases 14 Journalists Detained from Gaza-Bound Freedom Flotilla

October 14, 2025 – Palestine – 

Israeli authorities have freed fourteen journalists and other individuals who were detained earlier this month while aboard the Wijdan (Conscience), a vessel belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The detentions occurred on October 8, 2025, when the Israeli military intercepted the flotilla as it attempted to sail toward Gaza.

Most of those detained were held for approximately four days before being released. Among the released journalists were Emily Wilder, Noa Avishag Schnall, Thomas Hayes, Hicham Rami, José María Lozano Maneiro, Ali Kniss, and others. One of them, Thomas Bain Becker Jr., was released earlier than the others on October 10.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) strongly condemned the detentions, stating that such actions “undermine press freedom and obstruct independent reporting” during a moment when accurate coverage is most critical. CPJ called on Israeli authorities to permit unrestricted access for international journalists into Gaza, especially in light of the recent ceasefire.

Journalists who spoke publicly about their treatment reported severe abuses. Noa Avishag Schnall, in particular, recounted in a widely viewed video that she was suspended by metal shackles, beaten across her body, and suffocated when a guard sat on her face. She said she and others were threatened with rape and faced pepper spray attacks. Additionally, Emily Wilder claimed that she had repeatedly identified herself as press and was wearing her press credentials when authorities boarded the vessel. She said her press notebook was confiscated and ultimately returned, but showed signs of being read.

Legal and advocacy organizations representing the detainees—including the Adalah Center—argued that the journalists were treated no differently than activists, despite their role in documenting the humanitarian mission. The incident follows earlier detentions of journalists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla in early October, reflecting what CPJ describes as a pattern of restricting press access around the Israel–Gaza conflict.

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Israel frees 14 journalists detained from Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla