Activists freed from flotilla return to Brazil this Sunday (24)

Brazilian activists who were kidnapped by Israeli forces are expected to return to Brazil this Sunday (24).

The members of the Brazilian delegation that participated in the international solidarity mission Global Sumud Flotilla are scheduled to disembark at 5:45 pm on Sunday (24), at International Terminal 3 at Guarulhos Airport (GRU).

The volunteers were part of a convoy with dozens of vessels from different ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The objective of the mission was to break the humanitarian blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip to bring medical and civilian supplies to the besieged population and draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Kidnapping
On May 18 and 19, an Israeli naval operation surrounded and intercepted the activists in international waters, approximately 230 nautical miles from Gaza. The volunteers were captured and taken into custody.

The first information about the group's whereabouts emerged on May 21, when videos published on social media by Israeli authorities - including the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir - showed scenes of physical violence and humiliation against the activists.

Countries condemn Israel for video that shows activists kneeling and tied up; watch | CNN BRAZIL

Reports point to the practice of severe beatings and fractures; continuous psychological humiliation; sexual abuse and violence. Israel's prison service denied the allegations, and Reuters was unable to independently verify them.

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"The organization of the movement demands a firm stance from the international community and the governments that are signatories to the humanitarian conventions to demand punishment for the crimes committed and evaluate the breaking of economic and political relations with the Israeli regime."

*With information from Reuters

Source: CNN