Three Australian participants in the Global Sumud flotilla say they were mistreated while being held for days aboard an Israeli vessel, according to reporting by The Guardian. The group Zack Schofield, Neve O’Connor and Ethan Floyd is now on a hunger strike on the Greek island of Crete after being left there by Israeli authorities.
Their claims follow Wednesday’s interception of the flotilla, which had departed Italy on Monday carrying activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Of the roughly 175 people involved, 31 were taken to Sitia hospital in Crete, including the three Australians. All were later discharged but remain on the island.
Schofield told The Guardian that the activists were detained on a transport ship that had been converted into a holding facility, with shipping containers surrounded by barbed wire. He alleged that detainees were beaten and subjected to harsh treatment, describing crowded conditions and repeated dousing of the deck with seawater. He also said he was forced into painful positions and had stun grenades thrown near him.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has said the activists were removed “unharmed,” but the Australians dispute that account. They have refused food since their detention, calling for the release of flotilla leaders Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, who were taken to Israel for questioning. Spain has formally demanded Abu Keshek’s release.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular staff are in Crete assisting the group, which includes three additional Australian activists. Organizers of the flotilla have urged governments worldwide to pressure Israel to release the detained leaders immediately.
+ There are no comments
Add yours