Polish members of Gaza flotilla refuse voluntary deportation
The Polish Foreign Ministry has reported that three Polish nationals from of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) have refused voluntary deportation, meaning they will have to face trial.
"The Polish citizens were offered the opportunity to take advantage of an expedited procedure to leave Israel and return to Poland today," the ministry wrote in a statement on Friday, noting that the proposal to depart Israel voluntarily was made by the Polish ambassador to Israel. "The Israeli ambassador assured that Israel is keen to deport all detainees as soon as possible, but this requires the consent of the detainees themselves. They all refused to sign a declaration of voluntary deportation. This means that they will now await trial before an Israeli court."
The ministry echoed its previous statements that the detainees are safe and sound and that they have access to consular, legal and healthcare services.
"The Polish Foreign Service is constantly monitoring developments in the Middle East region," the statement continued.
The GSF, consisting of approximately 40 boats, is an international civilian initiative involving hundreds of activists from 47 countries. Its organisers say the goal is to break through Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-weary Palestinians.Last Wednesday, the GSF reported that some of its vessels were struck by Israeli drones off the coast of the Gaza Strip. The attack was followed by the detention of flotilla members, including the three Poles and one person seeking Polish citizenship: Franciszek Sterczewski, a Polish MP, Nina Ptak, the president of the Nomada Association, Ewa Jasiewicz, a journalist and activist, and Omar Faris, the president of the Social and Cultural Association of Polish Palestinians. (PAP)yb/jch
