The activist also highlighted that what was made public, through a video published by the Israeli Defense Minister, does not reflect the entire reality.
“There was a lot of violence, we were tortured, we were beaten. We counted at least 35 people with broken limbs. People were shot, it was horrible.” This is how, at Francisco Sá Carneiro airport, in Porto, Maria Beatriz describes the moment experienced by the activists detained by Israel.
The activist was part of a humanitarian mission that was heading to Gaza when the vessel was intercepted in international waters by Israel.
“We were kidnapped in international waters, we were on a prison boat, without contact with the world,” he described, adding that they had been taken to a prison in the desert, near Gaza. “We were systematically beaten, we were forced to kneel for hours,” he said, remembering that there were people seriously injured.
The activist also highlighted that what was made public by Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, does not reflect the entire reality. “What you saw in the video was the good part, they are constantly advertising.”
Recalling that this week the Portuguese Government “vehemently” condemned the video published by the Minister of National Security of Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, in which it is possible to see dozens of activists traveling from the flotilla to Gaza, kneeling, with their hands tied behind their backs and their heads placed on the ground.
In the video, released with the caption “welcome to Israel” and which you can see in the image associated with the article, the Israeli national anthem can be heard and the ruler linked to the far right can be seen, who seems to be amused by the situation, encouraging the military and waving an Israeli flag.
Before recounting her experience in the Middle East, Maria Beatriz described to journalists the emotional impact of the “emotional” return home, but regretted that this solidarity only emerges when foreign citizens are exposed to violence. “This violence happens much worse every day in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon,” he said, arguing that it is necessary to rethink the relationship between States and Israel.
Asked about the Portuguese Government’s reaction, Maria Beatriz left harsh criticisms. “I have been hoping for many years that there will really be an impact on the breaking of diplomatic and economic relations, and that this genocidal State will really be sanctioned. It is the least that can be done”, stated the activist.
