International activists deported from Israel after their Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted by the military have described their ordeal as being subjected to violence and dehumanizing treatment. The Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza, was blocked by Israel last month, leading to the detention and subsequent deportation of over 400 individuals. Among the deportees were 137 activists from various countries, including 36 Turkish nationals, who arrived in Istanbul yesterday.
Paolo Romano, a regional councillor from Italy, recounted the harrowing experience of being intercepted by a large number of military vessels and facing aggressive actions such as water cannon attacks and forceful detainment by heavily armed personnel upon their boats reaching shore. Romano emphasized the use of both physical and psychological violence during the interception.
The flotilla, consisting of about 45 vessels and carrying politicians and activists like Greta Thunberg, faced attempts to coerce them into admitting illegal entry into Israel, which they refuted by claiming their presence in international waters was legitimate. Upon arrival in Istanbul, they were taken to a prison, where they were allegedly confined without access to basic amenities like bottled water and subjected to intimidation tactics throughout the night.
Romano lamented the inhumane treatment they received, likening it to being treated as animals during their detention.