In a concerning development, ten Swiss nationals remain incarcerated in Israel following their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. Among them is Rémy Pagani, the former mayor of Geneva. This situation has drawn attention to the ongoing humanitarian issues related to the flotilla’s mission.
Current Status of Swiss Nationals
According to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the detainees are currently in “relatively good health, given the circumstances.” On October 5, 2025, an embassy delegation visited the Ketziot detention center, located in the Negev Desert, to meet with the ten Swiss citizens.
- Rémy Pagani, ex-mayor of Geneva
- Participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla
- Location: Ketziot detention center, Negev Desert
Diplomatic Efforts
The FDFA has indicated that it is maintaining contact with Israeli authorities and the prisoners’ attorneys, who are responsible for keeping the families informed. However, no specific timeline has been provided regarding when the activists will return to Switzerland.
Meanwhile, nine other activists, including two from Ticino, were released and are expected to arrive in Geneva from Istanbul today. This mixed outcome raises questions about the fate of the remaining detainees and the broader implications for international humanitarian efforts.
