“Treated like animals”: “Sumud Flotilla” activists recount “hell” of detention in Israeli prisons

ISTANBUL, Oct. 05 (YPA) – A total of 137 activists—out of over 400 people aboard the “Sumud Flotilla” (or “Flotilla of Fortitude”)—arrived in Istanbul on Saturday aboard a special Turkish Airlines flight.

This comes after the Israeli Navy intercepted the aid convoy, which was attempting to break the siege on the Gaza Strip, and detained those on board.

Upon their arrival, the activists shared shocking testimonies about their detention conditions, describing the experience as “hell” and detailing “savage” treatment at the hands of Israeli occupation forces.

“Forced to Kneel, Beaten, and Humiliated”

Lorenzo D’Agostino, an Italian journalist, described the interception of the flotilla in international waters, 88 kilometers off the coast of Gaza, as an act of “kidnapping.”

Italian activist Paolo Romano elaborated on the boarding, saying they were surrounded by “military ships and heavily armed individuals.” He added: “They forced us to kneel with our faces to the ground. If we moved, they would hit us. They mocked, humiliated, and beat us.”

Malaysian activist Iliya Balqis described the detention experience as the “worst,” noting they were handcuffed and deprived of water, with some also being denied medication. These accounts corroborate earlier reports by The Guardian regarding Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who informed Swedish officials that she was being held in a bug-infested cell with limited water and food.

The activists also noted that prison guards deliberately tried to frighten them at night in an attempt to break their spirit.

Despite the harsh treatment, Libyan activist Malek Qtait asserted his resolve to challenge the blockade again, stating, “I will gather my group… and a ship, and I will repeat the attempt.”

At the Istanbul airport, the Turkish activists were welcomed by their families waving Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanting “Killer Israel” in a show of anger and solidarity.

YPA