Brazilian human rights activists who joined an aid flotilla aimed at breaking the Gaza blockade have released detailed accounts of brutal treatment by Israeli forces. According to their testimonies, during the interception, they were beaten, insulted, and detained in severely deprived conditions.
One activist, Ms. Mariana Silva, said Israeli soldiers used excessive force, pulling hair and striking aid members on the head. She described being handcuffed and blindfolded for hours, then taken to a military facility for interrogation without access to a lawyer or information about the fate of others.
Activist João Santos also recounted being stripped of personal belongings, money, and identification documents, and threatened if he did not cooperate. He said detention conditions were appalling, with cramped spaces and a lack of drinking water and food for many hours. The activists were released after several days but carried severe physical injuries and psychological trauma.
The incident has sparked outrage in Brazil, with human rights organizations and politicians demanding a clear explanation from Israel regarding its security forces' conduct. The Brazilian government said it is contacting diplomatic channels to protect its citizens' rights.
The Gaza aid flotilla, organized by the Free Gaza Movement, aims to draw international attention to the blockade and deliver essential goods to Palestinians. However, Israeli interceptions regularly lead to clashes and casualties.
