(MENAFN) A British reporter, who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s warm reception following his deportation from Israel.

However, he underlined that Türkiye's most significant contribution was facilitating access to medical professionals and legal representatives for the activists, as well as collecting "evidence of crimes against humanity."

Kieran Andrieu was among 13 UK nationals detained by Israeli forces after the flotilla was intercepted in international waters.

Speaking to a news agency at Heathrow Airport—where he landed late Sunday alongside fellow British participants Sarah Wilkinson, Francis Cummings, and Evie Snedker—he shared that the journey turned out to be more than twice as long as anticipated due to various difficulties.

Despite these hardships, Andrieu emphasized: "We were held together by, first and foremost, our love of Palestine and our love of the people of Gaza. Second, by the bonds of loyalty that we developed with one another after we'd been on the boat for a period of time, and so that carried us through."

He described facing drone strikes, chaotic conditions, and storms during their voyage to Gaza. Yet, he maintained that such struggles pale in comparison to the relentless suffering Palestinians endure under what he called an occupying and genocidal regime.

Referring to the Israeli military’s actions against the flotilla, Andrieu declared that the operation violated international law.

"It was illegal under international law for them to board our boat, for them to intercept us. We had every right, as long as the people of Gaza want us in their territorial waters," he said.

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