Dozens of International Activists Arrested, Mistreated, and Detained by Israeli Forces
Dozens of international activists participating in the Freedom Flotilla have been arrested, mistreated, and detained by Israeli forces while attempting to break the maritime blockade imposed on Gaza, according to several witnesses over the weekend.
Incident Details
On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted 42 ships in international waters, arresting hundreds of activists from over 70 nationalities as they tried to reach Gaza. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 137 detainees were deported to Turkey, where they arrived on Saturday evening.
Testimonies of Detainees
Testimonies collected by Al Jazeera describe extremely harsh detention conditions. According to Ikbal Gurpinar, an activist on board, prisoners were left hungry and without access to drinking water, receiving only one low-calorie meal for 14 people. All their medications were confiscated and thrown away. "They stole our personal belongings, phones, computers, and chargers," she denounced.
Zeynep Dilek Tekocak, another activist, highlighted the extent of the violence they suffered, particularly after protesting against a speech by an Israeli minister. "They intensified their repression, exerting strong pressure on us. But in prison, all detainees promise to reveal to the world the true nature of the Israeli entity," she affirmed.
Human Rights Abuses
Other activists reported physical violence, humiliating searches, sleep deprivation, and deplorable sanitary conditions, likening their treatment to that of terrorists. Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino described a situation of constant humiliation, with deprivation of drinking water for several days.
Freedom Flotilla Mission
The Freedom Flotilla, launched in late August, represents the latest attempt by activists to defy the maritime blockade on Gaza, where a major humanitarian crisis is raging, with over 67,000 deaths and massive destruction.
International Response
Turkish authorities confirmed the presence among the detainees of citizens from numerous countries, including Turkey, the United States, France, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Malaysia, and others. The international community is calling for an end to the blockade and the release of all detained activists.
