Madrid: The remaining six Spanish citizens, captured by Israel after joining humanitarian aid flotillas to break the Gaza blockade, returned home Monday. Among them was Reyes Rigo, who faced charges for assaulting a prison guard.

According to Anadolu Agency, Reyes Rigo was part of the first Global Sumud mission and was detained by Israeli forces on October 1. She was later accused of biting a guard at Israel's Ketziot Prison. Under a deal with Israeli prosecutors, Rigo pleaded guilty to assault and paid a fine of approximately £2,650 ($2,870). During a court hearing, Rigo claimed mistreatment while in custody, stating the incident occurred as she attempted to protect a fellow activist.

Upon arrival at the airport, Rigo expressed that her ordeal was minimal compared to the plight of Palestinians, citing the conditions of women, children, and men in Israeli prisons. She urged people to join a general strike on October 15 to denounce Israel's actions and called upon the Spanish government to address the matter with the International Court of Justice.

The other five activists who returned with Rigo were captured on October 8 during the Thousand Madleens to Gaza flotilla. Supporters at the airport greeted them with chants supporting the Palestinian cause.

Israel has captured over 50 Spanish nationals participating in recent flotilla missions attempting to deliver aid to Palestine. All have been released. Israel, as the occupying power, has previously intercepted Gaza-bound ships, seized their cargo, and deported activists on board, maintaining a blockade on Gaza for nearly 18 years. This blockade has intensified since March, further straining the conditions in Gaza, which is home to nearly 2.4 million people.

Israeli actions since October 2023 have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 67,800 Palestinians in the enclave, primarily affecting women and children. A ceasefire to end two years of Israeli bombardment was announced on Thursday.