Australian activists who took part in the flotilla meant to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza have begun returning home as they have recounted torture and sexual abuse while detained by Israel, local media reported Monday, Anadolu reports.

Eleven Australians were among hundreds of international activists aboard the Sumud Global Flotilla when it was seized and attacked by Israeli forces in the waters last week. international and they were arrested.

Many of the group, including some Australians, said they suffered broken bones, were tasered in the face and injected with unknown substances, local broadcaster SBS News reported.

Activist Violet Coco, who arrived at Melbourne Airport on Monday morning, said Israeli authorities beat, tortured and sexually assaulted activists arrested during the operation. flotilla.

She added that detainees also suffered fractures and head injuries, while some people were left without insulin and blood pressure medication for several days.

Coco said she was pushed through a dark room, repeatedly touched and hit while in custody.

Gemma O’Toole was the first of the Australian activists to return on Sunday night and recounted an experience of similar.

The 23-year-old student arrived at Melbourne Airport to a standing ovation from friends and family.

O’Toole told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the activists had been subjected to physical abuse and sexual violence by Israeli forces while in custody.

Surya McEwen, a dual-diagnosis care worker from New South Wales, said the last flotilla was his third attempt to deliver aid.

During his most recent detention, he was held for 80 hours and beaten in a cell while Israeli soldiers sang the national anthem.

McEwen compared the prison ships used by Israel to prisoner-of-war camps with no sleeping quarters, few toilets and platforms from which soldiers fired bullets indiscriminately. rubber.

Several members of the aid delegation said they are talking to lawyers about their experience and want the evidence gathered to be used at the International Criminal Court to support claims of abuse by Palestinians.

Source: prizrenpost