After their arrest by Israeli forces in international waters off Cyprus and their detention in Israel, the members of the Greek mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla are expected to arrive in Athens on Friday evening (22/5). According to an announcement by “March to Gaza,” the reception of the activists will take place at 20:30, the arrival time of their flight at “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport. March to Gaza is calling for a gathering half an hour earlier to welcome the mission members.
As stated in the announcement, “after pressure and mobilizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assumed part of its responsibilities toward the citizens who were abducted. Procedures for the repatriation of the abducted have been completed and they are returning with an estimated arrival time of 20:30 in Athens.”
Global Sumud Flotilla: Allegations of detention conditions abuse
The activists denounce mistreatment and violent behavior during their detention. According to reports, “we saw people severely beaten, covered in bruises and abrasions, with broken ribs and marks from plastic bullets, while one of the mission members has a possible fracture in the foot.”
After their release from Israel, the mission members traveled to Constantinople, where the first assessment of their condition took place. As noted, “many incidents of violence and attacks were reported, which together with the provocative appearance of far-right minister Ben Gvir, reveal the true face of the Israeli state.”
The March to Gaza announcement speaks of silence from the Greek government, stating that “the government maintains deafening silence about the treatment of Greek men and women by Israeli forces and about the fact that Israel abducted, illegally detained and beat citizens of Greece.”
At the same time, it is noted that the mission members return with “high morale and valuable experience,” while extensive reference is made to the situation of Palestinian detainees. “Israel holds over 9,500 Palestinians without charges and without due legal process,” it is emphasized.
March to Gaza stresses that solidarity missions constitute a “necessary condition,” as dozens of social organizations and citizens of Gaza have expressed their support. The announcement concludes with the message: “With comradeship, emotion and unwavering faith in the cause. This struggle has no end. Only a beginning.”
