The first group of activists from the “Global Steadfastness Flotilla” arrived at Istanbul Airport on Thursday after being deported from occupied Palestinian territories, following the attack on their vessels by Zionist enemy forces in international waters as they headed toward the Gaza Strip. Activists reported being subjected to violence and torture during their detention.
Among those returning was Belgian activist Julien Cabral, who appeared with a purple bruise around one eye and injuries to his head and shoulder. He had been aboard a small boat that departed from Turkey as part of the flotilla, alongside activists of various nationalities.
Cabral stated that the "Israeli" navy intercepted the boat more than 500 kilometers from the Palestinian coast, adding that the Zionist forces disabled communications before boarding the vessel and firing rubber bullets, despite activists raising their hands and offering no resistance.
He explained that the activists were restrained and transferred in a “violent” manner to a detention ship, where they were placed inside containers. He noted that they were denied adequate medical care despite injuries and fractures among detainees.
Cabral noted the shortages of water, food, and hygiene supplies during detention, in addition to verbal abuse and physical pressure while being transferred to detention centers inside “Israel.”
The deportations came a day after the Zionist criminal "National Security" Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing the activists during their detention, sparking criticism and diplomatic condemnation.
Cabral confirmed he would return to Belgium after undergoing medical examinations but intends to participate again in any maritime effort aimed at breaking the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Turkish activist Bilal Kitay said that the Zionist forces used greater violence compared to a previous attempt in April, adding that all those aboard the boat were beaten during the interception.
Earlier this week, Israeli enemy forces seized the “Freedom Flotilla,” which had been sailing from Turkey to the Gaza Strip, and carried out assaults on the activists on board.
