Twenty Catalan activists from the Flotilla returned to Barcelona via El Prat Airport, where they accused Israel of “kidnapping” and “brutality” during their mission to Palestine.
Ariadna Masmitjà, one of the Flotilla members, thanked supporters at the airport and denounced Israel’s treatment of the group. “We were violently and brutally assaulted when we were illegally kidnapped by Israel,” she said. Masmitjà added, “What happened to us is not an attack against us, but against Palestine.”
Mi Hoa Lee, another activist, described the experience as “kidnapped, tortured, humiliated, and assaulted”. Lee said the “escalation of violence has been abysmal” and described a “tunnel of terror” where soldiers repeatedly hit activists. Lee also claimed they suffered laser gun attacks.
Masmitjà called on European governments to take a firm stance on the conflict. She also urged Spain to break diplomatic ties with Israel and criticised the Spanish government for maintaining arms trade relations with Israel.
The activists left Barcelona on 15 April. Their mission aimed to break the blockade on Palestine and draw attention to the Palestinian people’s situation. Masmitjà said they also took action to stop ships carrying weapons to Palestine.
This mission is part of a wider international movement that seeks to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge restrictions on Gaza. The activists’ return to Barcelona adds to the pressure on European and Spanish authorities to respond to their allegations. For more Barcelona coverage, see our Community and Sport pages.
Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
