Global outrage continues over the treatment of activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla after hundreds of delegates detained by Israeli forces were deported following several days in custody.
The latest interception took place earlier this week when Israeli forces boarded and seized the final vessels of the more than 50-boat flotilla while sailing in international waters en route to the Gaza Strip in an effort to break the illegal blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
Scenes of emotional reunions unfolded in Türkiye on Thursday afternoon as dozens of activists arrived at Istanbul Airport, draped in keffiyehs and welcomed by crowds waving Palestinian flags and chanting messages of solidarity.
Among those detained were six South African delegates: Mogamed Faeek Afriedien, Hajar Kagiso Al Thaira Ahjum Mathee, Faizel Moosa, Qutb Hendricks, Ebrahim Peters, and Yusuf Rahman.
Speaking to VOC News, Gadija Ajhum, the mother of Hajar Kagiso Al Thaira Ahjum Mathee, said the experience reflects the suffering of mothers in Gaza who are still unable to access food and aid for their children.
“As much as I feel all of those emotions, I must recognise this moment as a moment where I must understand that this is our responsibility for every mother in the world who wants to feed a baby. Hajar and the delegates, the story is much bigger than just this mother and daughter or this community. It’s about mothers all over the world, particularly in Gaza,” she said.
“Those mothers in Gaza still can’t feed their babies because they are subjected to famine conditions. The aid did not go through. Hajar’s heart is very heavy because the babies are still waiting for formula and food,” Ajhum added.
Listen to the full interview below:
Meanwhile, Shahieda Carlie, sister of Faeek Afriedien, alleged that activists were subjected to violence and mistreatment while in custody.
“What happened when they were taken from their ships was very brutal. Some of the vessels were shot at, people were hit with rubber bullets, and activists were tortured and brutalised while being held,” Carlie claimed.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
