(MENAFN) Eight German activists who were apprehended by Israeli forces in international waters while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned to Germany. They were met with a heartfelt reception upon arriving at Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

One of the group members, Kubra Cinar, was visibly moved during her reunion with her parents.

Speaking to a news agency, she described the severe conditions they endured while being held by Israeli authorities. Cinar recounted, “We were not allowed to meet our lawyers. Sick people were denied their medication. We were not given food for 48 hours, and for about 36 hours, no water at all,” adding that they experienced “various forms of violence.”

Cinar expressed strong disapproval of both the Israeli and German governments.

She accused Berlin of neglecting its duty to protect German nationals and criticized its continued support of Israel. “Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Israel. As always, it chose to ignore Israel’s lawlessness and supported Israel instead of its own citizens,” she said.

Despite the ordeal, Cinar affirmed her commitment to similar humanitarian efforts in the future.

“We will not stop. We will keep going until the blockade on Gaza is lifted,” she stated, underlining her determination.

Another participant, Yasemin Acar, echoed Cinar’s claims, describing the detention conditions as harsh and inhumane.

She shared that they were “locked in small spaces, kept under the sun for hours without food or water, and then beaten.”

Acar emphasized the group’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating, “They have weapons, but what we have is love for the Palestinian people,” and added, “Even while being beaten, we kept shouting ‘Free Palestine.’”

The activists’ return has sparked conversations about governmental responsibility, human rights, and the ongoing blockade on Gaza.

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