South African delegates who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla have officially returned home. The activists arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday after a harrowing journey to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza. The flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness about the siege levelled against Palestinians, was intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces last week.
During a media briefing at the airport, activist Zaheerah Soomar recounted the traumatic treatment she endured while in Israeli custody. According to Soomar, she was singled out and subjected to humiliation by occupation forces.
“Fatima and I both had our hijabs forcibly removed, while other Muslim women were not treated the same way. We were pushed behind a screen, shoved against a wall, and completely stripped naked in front of IOF soldiers. This did not happen to other women,” Soomar explained.
She added that South African detainees were also denied legal representation.
“There were lawyers assigned to represent us, 18 Adala lawyers for 500 activists, and we had their names written on our arms. But when we asked for them, we were told, ‘You are not allowed a lawyer.’ That is a basic human right, but all of us were denied that,” she said.
The delegates’ return has reignited calls for accountability and renewed attention to Israel’s continued blockade of Gaza, widely condemned as a violation of international law.
VOC News
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