Gaza Flotilla activist says detainees separated by religion

Louise Walsh

An Irish flotilla activist has said detainees were separated by Israeli forces depending on their religion.

Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais said he was held in a packed cell at Ktzi'ot Prison for six days without access to fresh water or showers, after Israeli forces stormed their flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

The charity worker from Finglas, Co Dublin remembered other detainees being asked if they were Christian or Muslim before the Muslims were taken to one side.

"I was in the first boat when we were hit by drones carrying firebombs which were dropped onto the deck," he said.

"All electronics on the boats, internet, radios were all disconnected before heavily armed soldiers boarded. They had night vision goggles that you'd see in the movies, clipped down on their eyes. They were wearing tactical gloves and, as far as I could see, most were carrying three firearms.

"We had thrown all sharp implements overboard and stood there with arms in the air. We were offered water and a sandwich, but we had already decided to refuse anything.

"Once we set foot on the shore, we were manhandled and brought to a holding area. We were made to either kneel or sit on the ground and we weren't allowed to look up. When we were moved there, we were in double armlocks and our heads were bent down so you could only see your feet and the ground in front of you.

"I was lucky. I wasn't physically harmed, but I did see them slapping another guy around the place.

"They asked everyone if they were Christian or Muslim, and they moved all the Muslims to one side, out of my viewpoint, which I found very worrying."

Diarmuid said he was placed in a cell which had 15 people in it, one toilet and one tap which poured murky water. He claimed they were not offered fresh water, food or access to showers in the six days they were there.

He said that a Greek delegation chartered an aeroplane and they offered to take others onboard.

They, along with some French, Spanish and Germans, were allowed to leave and flew to Greece and then to Ireland.

"I did get word that when the Israelis were busy with us, some fishermen got access to the supplies we were carrying so at least some food made it to those in need," he said.