Istanbul: A Kuwaiti activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla reported mistreatment and harsh conditions after Israeli forces intercepted their vessel heading to Gaza. A plane carrying activists from the flotilla, which was attacked and detained by Israeli forces in international waters, arrived at Istanbul Airport on Saturday afternoon. The flight included 137 individuals from the humanitarian flotilla, among them 36 Turkish and 23 Malaysian citizens.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mohammad Jamal, one of the activists, recounted that their boat was seized at approximately 6 am by 20 Israeli soldiers. Jamal described being kept under the sun for 12 hours during the journey to the port of Ashdod, where the treatment worsened. Jamal highlighted the lack of food and limited access to water and basic facilities during this period.

Jamal further detailed that upon reaching Ashdod port, the Israeli police treated them poorly. While some were physically assaulted, many endured verbal abuse. He mentioned that international pressure seemed to mitigate further aggression from the Israeli forces, as global attention and demonstrations acted as a protective shield for the activists.

The activist also described the dire conditions they faced during detention, stating that they were held for three days without adequate water and food. Medical needs were neglected, with detainees lacking access to essential medications. Jamal emphasized the importance of continued international vigilance and support for Gaza, expressing gratitude for the global community's role in alleviating their ordeal.