First group of Spanish activists returns after detention in Israel
Twenty-one of the 49 Spanish activists detained by Israel while trying to deliver aid to Gaza have returned to Spain on Sunday. They denounce ill-treatment during their captivity, while 28 remain held in a Negev desert prison. The Spanish government has facilitated their repatriation and demands respect for their rights.
The Global Sumud flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters between Wednesday night and Thursday, about 70 nautical miles from the coast. The 49 Spaniards on board were detained and taken to a prison in the Negev desert. On Sunday, 21 of them returned on an Air Europa flight from Tel Aviv, landing in Madrid at 8:30 PM. Among them were former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and councilor Jordi Coronas, who continued to Barcelona, arriving at 11:22 PM.
Upon arrival, the activists denounced severe abuses. Andalusian lawyer Rafael Borrego recounted: “They beat us, dragged us across the floors, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cages, insulted us.” Ada Colau stated: “They illegally kidnapped us in international waters. There was maltreatment, but it's nothing compared to what the Palestinian people suffer every day.” Valencian deputy Juan Bordera mentioned a punch to the ribs and that over 100 activists are on hunger strike.
The released highlighted denial of medication, such as insulin for diabetics, and deprivations like water and sleep. Journalists like Carlos de Barrón and Néstor Prieto confirmed humiliations, including forced signatures on documents acknowledging illegal entry into Israel without a translator or consular assistance. Dressed in prison-issued clothing, they read a statement emphasizing that their suffering pales in comparison to that of Palestinians in Gaza.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares explained that these 21 signed the document required by Israel for deportation. The government paid for the tickets to expedite the return, and ministers like Mónica García and Sira Rego received them at Barajas. Albares demanded: “This retention situation must end immediately and their rights must be respected.”
Meanwhile, 28 Spaniards remain detained, six on hunger strike. Israel denies the abuses; Minister Itamar Ben Gvir defended: “Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves terrorist conditions.” Italian activists and others deported echo similar complaints, with two lawsuits in Italy for illegal detention.