Flotilla for Gaza: Spaniards who return from Israel denounce “evil treatment” during their arrest

A first group of 21 Spaniards between 49 in Gaza helps Flotilla this week for Israel landed this Sunday, October 5 at the Madrid airport, where they said they were mistreated and humiliated during their detention.

“The bad physical and psychological treatment was repeated during all these days. They hit us, dragged to the ground. They sold their eyes. They tied their feet and hands,” said Rafael Borrego, one of the members of the flotilla, to the arrest in Israel.

28 Other Spanish activists remain in detention

The Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced in the morning that an agreement with Israel had been concluded for a first group of 21 Spanish activists to return by plane this Sunday.

All agreed to sign a document in which they recognize having entered Israel illegally, said José Manuel Albares. The other 28 so far have refused to do so and, therefore, should remain in detention for a longer time, said European deputy and lawyer Jaume Asens on public television.

Similarly, the four Portuguese activists who participated in the flotilla had to arrive in Lisbon on Sunday night, said the Ministry of Portuguese Foreign Affairs.

The intercepted flotilla

Sumud’s global flotilla left Barcelona in early September with the aim of breaking the blockade imposed by Israel in the Gaza Strip and delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory. But he was intercepted this week by the Israeli Navy.

Among the members of the Flotilla, composed of activists from all countries, such as the Swedish Greta Thunberg, as well as the different political figures, is in particular the former mayor of Barcelona, ​​Ada Colau, who returned Sunday night to the Catalan capital.

Hundreds of activists aboard these ships were arrested by Israeli forces and are waiting to be expelled. Among them, 137 activists from thirteen countries flew to Istanbul on Saturday.

Spain is one of the most critical votes in Europe against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, launched in response to the attacks of October 7, 2023 by Hamas.