‘We Had to Drink Toilet Water in Israeli Jail’: Freed Samoud Flotilla Sisters Reveal Ordeal

ANKARA: Disturbing new revelations have emerged about the treatment of humanitarian activists detained by Israel after the interception of the Global Samoud Flotilla, which was carrying aid for Gaza.

Two Malaysian sisters — singers and actresses Haleezah Helmi and Hazwani Helmi — who were among those detained, have recounted the inhumane conditions and abuse they faced while in Israeli custody.

Speaking to a Turkish news agency, the sisters said Israeli forces attacked their vessel in international waters before arresting them and subjecting them to degrading conditions in detention.

Hazwani Helmi said, “Can you imagine having to drink toilet water to survive? Some people became seriously ill, but the Israeli guards said, ‘If they don’t die, it’s not my problem.’”

Her sister Haleezah Helmi added, “We were not given food for three days. The last time I ate was on October 1. Today I received my first meal in days — for three days, I survived only on toilet water.”

According to reports, 137 activists were detained by Israel, including 23 Malaysians and 36 Turkish nationals.

All the released activists arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, where they received a warm welcome from supporters and humanitarian organizations.

Israel’s foreign minister confirmed that 29 more flotilla participants have been deported, bringing the total number of deported detainees to 170 out of more than 450 arrested activists.