DaysofPal- French activists from Sumud Flotilla, who were intercepted at sea by Israeli occupation forces while attempting to reach the Gaza Strip, have reported that Israeli occupation forces have subjected them to violence and degrading treatment during their detention.
Eight French nationals arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on Friday afternoon after being deported via Turkey.
They were welcomed by supporters chanting slogans in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, the activists said that two of the 36 French participants who had been aboard the flotilla remain hospitalized in Turkey.
Mariam Hajjal, a caregiver who was detained on May 18 and returned to Paris earlier on Friday, described the abusive treatment.
“We were placed one by one into a black container, and I was subjected to inappropriate touching,” she said.
Hajjal added that upon arrival in the Israeli port city of Ashdod, they were handled by police forces she described as extremely violent and humiliating, accusing them of stripping detainees of their dignity.
Israeli forces detained hundreds of activists from multiple countries after intercepting the vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, in the latest attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.
On Wednesday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing activists in detention, handcuffed and kneeling, which sparked widespread criticism and diplomatic reactions.
Another activist, Adrien Bertel, 33, spoke of severe beatings in the dark.
Meanwhile, Yasmine Skola said detainees were forced to sleep with their hands bound behind their backs for 36 hours and had to use the bathroom while still in restraints.
“This is, in fact, a serious form of torture,” she said, adding that she witnessed injured individuals being left without medical care.
The reports of the activists have intensified scrutiny over the treatment of international activists detained during maritime missions aimed at reaching Gaza, amid ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade of the territory.
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