On 5 October, Israel deported four activists from the international Sumud Humanitarian Flotilla to Portugal amid accusations of inhumane detention of Polish members near Gaza.
Sumud Activists Accuse Israel of Inhumane Detention
On 5 October, Israel deported four activists from the international Sumud Humanitarian Flotilla to Portugal, where they were greeted by hundreds. The group was led by left‑wing MP Mariana Mortagua and included Sofia Aparício, Miguel Duarte and Diogo Chaves. The activists allege that during detention they were kept in cages under the sun, denied food and water and that authorities threatened to beat them. Mortagua said that the treatment was worst than expected, but their European status saved them. They denied any wrongdoing and left the country after being interrogated.
Polish Government’s Response Criticised
On Monday, MP Maciej Konieczny of the Together Party criticised the Polish government for an inadequate response to the detention of its citizens. He called for a call to the Israeli ambassador and demands for clarification, noting that Polish citizens were abducted by Israeli authorities on international waters, a situation not comparable to arrests for border violations. Konieczny accused the government of acting cowardly and misaligned with its claim of standing against war crimes and genocide, calling the minister Sikorski’s reaction inadequate and scandalous.
International Sumud Flotilla Seized by Israeli Navy
The Israeli navy detained the Global Sumud Flotilla overnight on 1‑2 October, about 80 nautical miles from Gaza. The flotilla comprised more than 40 vessels and over 400 volunteers from 47 countries. Polish citizens on board—including MP Franciszek Sterczewski, Omar Farris and Karolina “Nina” Ptak—were among those detained. Another Polish activist, Ewa Jasiewicz, was taken to Turkey as part of a group of 137 Global Sumud participants deported by Israel. Soon after, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the detained Polish citizens were safe and unharmed.
Polish Medical Mission Supports Gaza
A Polish Medical Mission has launched a campaign to send doctors directly to the Gaza Strip and is encouraging donations. Each zloty raised is said to increase on‑ground aid, with a link provided for contributions.
