DaysofPal- Activists from the “Global Sumud Flotilla” have arrived in Turkey after being intercepted and detained by Israeli occupation forces during their attempt to break the 18-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The flotilla, consisting of more than 40 ships and boats carrying activists from 72 countries along with humanitarian aid for Gaza, was intercepted in international waters by the Israeli occupation forces, who detained over 400 people, and began to deport them on Friday.
According to Turkish authorities, 137 activists from 13 countries, including 36 Turkish nationals, landed in Istanbul aboard a special Turkish Airlines flight on Saturday. Relatives and supporters received them.
Activists described the ordeal as “brutal and degrading.”
Italian activist Paolo Romano said that Israeli forces boarded the ships by force, ordering passengers to kneel with their faces to the floor, while subjecting them to beatings, insults, and psychological humiliation.
He added that the Israelis tried to coerce them into signing confessions that they had entered Israeli territory illegally, despite the interception occurring in international waters.
Malaysian activist Ilia Balqis described the interception as “the worst experience of her life,” saying that detainees were handcuffed and denied movement, water, and medication.
The Swedish government reportedly demanded that the Israeli occupation provide its citizens with adequate food and medical care.
According to The Guardian, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those detained, held in a poorly equipped cell with limited access to water and food.
Turkey strongly condemned the Israeli interception, describing it as a “terrorist act.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the Israeli “barbarity,” while Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised the activists as “brave individuals who gave a voice to humanity.”
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino confirmed that the flotilla was seized 88 kilometers off the Gaza coast, and that detainees spent two days in harsh conditions before being released under international pressure.
Libyan activist Malek Qteit announced his intention to organize another attempt to break the blockade, saying he would assemble a new team and vessel to deliver medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
This marks the first time in nearly two decades that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza in a coordinated international effort to challenge the Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave, home to 2.4 million Palestinians.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, backed by the United States, has resulted in 67,074 deaths, 169,430 injuries, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 459 Palestinians, including 154 children, according to local health authorities.
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