Istanbul: Malaysian singer-actors Heliza Helmi and Hazwani Helmi, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to deliver aid to Gaza, arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, recounting the 'brutal' and 'cruel' treatment by Israeli forces after their vessel was attacked in international waters.

According to Anadolu Agency, the activists, along with others from the humanitarian flotilla, landed at the Istanbul Airport, having been transferred from Israel following their detention. The flotilla consisted of 137 people, including 36 Turkish and 23 Malaysian citizens. Upon arrival, the activists underwent health checks at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute before providing testimonies to prosecutors as witnesses.

Hazwani Helmi emphasized their mission as a moral and religious obligation, stating, "Our duty as Muslims is to help them, and we need to stop the blockade and deliver food and aid to Palestinians." The sisters described the harsh conditions they endured during their detention, highlighting the severe lack of basic necessities.

"We drank from the toilet water," Hazwani revealed, noting the indifference of their captors to their suffering. "Some people were very, very sick, but they [the Israelis] said: 'Are they dead? If not, then that's not my problem.'" Heliza Helmi shared her ordeal of going without food, stating she had not eaten for three days and survived only by drinking toilet water.

Despite the challenges faced, the sisters expressed their appreciation for the support they received after their release. "We are so grateful and thankful to the Turkish people. We feel so touched. Thank you for your support -- it makes us feel very happy," Hazwani said.