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Alarming new details have emerged regarding the treatment of crew members aboard the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla, who were detained by Israeli forces in international waters. Among those on board was French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan.
According to information provided by Fiona Vanston, a representative from Hassan’s office, told TurkiyeGazetesi.com.tr, the 12-person crew was held on the deck of the vessel for 16 hours without access to food or water before being transferred to a detention center near Tel Aviv. Legal consultations during detention were reportedly limited to only 10 minutes per person.
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli security forces last week. The crew was later taken to Ben Gurion International Airport, where they were held under detention. While lawyers and some diplomats have been involved in the case, the crew’s families have not been able to establish direct contact with them, according to Vanston.
Vanston stated that Israeli authorities offered the detained activists a document to sign, acknowledging they had entered the country illegally. If signed, it would lead to immediate deportation and a 100-year ban from Israel. Those who refused to sign faced legal proceedings.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila reportedly began a hunger and thirst strike as of 4:00 a.m. yesterday to protest what he described as inhumane conditions. Detainees have complained of unsanitary conditions, including bedbug infestations and access only to non-potable tap water.
“Only a single sandwich was distributed in front of cameras,” Vanston said. “After that, the crew was left without food or water for 16 hours. This treatment violates both international law and fundamental human rights.”
Among those deported were climate activist Greta Thunberg, Sergio Toribio, and French citizens Baptiste Andre and Omar Faiad, who reportedly signed the declaration for personal reasons. Eight other crew members, including MEP Rima Hassan, refused to sign and remain in custody.
A coordinated diplomatic and media campaign is now underway to raise awareness of the alleged mistreatment. European lawmakers and human rights organizations have been briefed, and the issue is expected to be formally raised in the European Parliament.
The flotilla’s mission was aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The incident has drawn renewed attention to Israel’s blockade of the enclave and its treatment of international activists.
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