SA Flotilla activists recount ordeal after Israeli detention

ONE of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists who was detained by Israeli forces en route to Gaza has described being denied medication, food, and access to a doctor, along with experiencing humiliation, physical violence, and sleep deprivation while in custody.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

The group of six activists was detained by Israeli authorities last week while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

They returned to South Africa on Wednesday, landing at OR Tambo International Airport to a warm welcome.

Supporters of the South African participants gathered in large numbers at the airport, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs that read, “Welcome Home.”

From young children to elderly citizens, the crowd sang songs and chanted in solidarity as they awaited the activists’ arrival.

Ciarrie Shelver, originally from Johannesburg, but based in Geneva where she works in human rights advocacy, was among those detained.

She shared details of the interception and their treatment while in Israeli custody.

“When the call was made for people to sign up for the flotilla, I did. What compelled me, of course, is the crisis in Gaza and, more broadly, in occupied Palestine,’ she said.

Shelver said she was selected by the Swiss delegation and joined the flotilla in Sicily after completing training.