Algerian activists determined to launch other aid flotillas to break Gaza blockade
Algerian activists arrested by Israel after its deadly raid on an aid flotilla headed for Gaza returned to Algeria after being freed and crossed into Jordan Wednesday. Â
- Once they arrived to Algiers international airport Houari Boumediene, they said they have been subjected to barbaric attack by the Israeli armed troops Tuesday night and asserted that they are ready to re-adventure many times in order to break the blockade on Gaza. They also added that it was an amazing experience in which they discovered the real solidarity among 50 activists from different nationalities who had but one aim, break the Israeli siege on Gaza and provide some aid to people there.
- Abu Ahmed, Abdelkader Akani, retired professor, an imam and member of the Shura council at the Hamas movement “Party of Peace”, was one of the first who left the reception hall after the Head of Algerian delegation Abderrezak Mekri.
- Echorouk met him at the airport hall, he said the adventure is a success despite suffering and injustice of the Zionists, who attacked the ship on early hours of the dawn, during performance of the prayer, then they cut communications.
- “Algerians were deployed in the ship, when we realized the attack the captain put every delegation in one place. Thanks Allah the Jews did not reach us as we hit them with water hoses. Turks did a good job as they prevented them from reaching the ship, that is why they brought helicopters carrying snipers and soldiers who shot activists between the eyes and chest. Israeli soldiers became more arrogant when they detained us”.
- Ahmed Ibrahimi, coordinator of the Algerian delegation, said; “We were sure that we will not return to homeland after the Israeli oppression and brutal murder of activists. I did not imagine that I will leave the land of Jihad and return to it again”.
- Yacine Boutheldja, one of the activists who returned homeland said; “Israeli soldiers kidnapped us at sea. Algerian and other activists told them; “You are traitors and you raided the ship in the international waters without negotiating with the passengers. We are proud of this journey and because we represented Algeria. In the Israeli prisons, we decided to remain covenant and contribute to the next flotillas. We thank Algerian people and authority for their support”.
- Algerian activist Sabrina Rwainia insisted on the need to send more aid flotillas to break the siege on Gaza; “Despite what we suffered from pain and fear, but we will continue our support and solidarity”.
- Aisha Dahesh, an Algerian student who was among activists said; “We red on the Palestinian issue and the Israeli barbaric attacks, now we experienced their lies which they use in their daily interactions with the Palestinians”.
- Israeli troops said activists used knives during the confrontation, however; testimonies asserted that knives were not used, but activists stand up to refuse surrender and to stop their violence.
- “After seizing the ship, Israeli troops tied our hands behind our backs and told us to lie down with beating our legs and hands with arms. They had no mercy for us. A Jordanian elderly 80 years was beaten. We succumbed for inspection in six points, as we were the first to enter the prison of Bir Essabaa in rooms for two or four persons”.