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Polish participants in Global Sumud Flotilla to return home on Wednesday

07.10.2025 13:45
Polish members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were deported by Israel to Greece, are expected to return to their homeland on Wednesday, MP Dorota Łaboda confirmed to Polskie Radio.
Activists from 15 European countries, including Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski (center, bottom) and other Polish participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla were welcomed by Greeks upon their arrival at the Eleftherios Venizelos Greek international airport at Spata, near Athens, on 6 October 2025.
Activists from 15 European countries, including Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski (center, bottom) and other Polish participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla were welcomed by Greeks upon their arrival at the Eleftherios Venizelos Greek international airport at Spata, near Athens, on 6 October 2025. Photo: YANNIS KOLESIDIS/PAP/EPA/Facebook.com/Franek Sterczewski

Łaboda, a member of the Civic Coalition (KO), criticised Israel for detaining the flotilla in international waters. The convoy was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where a humanitarian crisis continues amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Today, 7 October, marks the second anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, military operations by the Israeli army have reportedly killed 67,000 Palestinians.

Polish citizens safe in Athens after Israeli deportation

Franciszek Sterczewski, a Polish MP, arrived at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport near Athens on Monday.

On social media, he confirmed that all Polish citizens are alive. Despite six weeks of travel, two drone attacks, interception by Israeli forces, and five days in detention, they are safe, healthy, and determined to continue their humanitarian efforts.

Ahoj, tu Franek! Melduję, że po 6 tygodniach podróży, dwóch atakach dronów, przechwyceniu przez siły okupacyjne i5ra3la...

Opublikowany przez Franek Sterczewski Poniedziałek, 6 października 2025

Sterczewski said the group is catching up on news from Poland and around the world, and he expressed gratitude to participants from around 20 Polish cities who took part in nationwide protests to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.

“It is an honour to be a drop in this great wave of solidarity with you,” he said.

Polish MP Sterczewski urges politicians to join public in opposing Israeli actions

The politician added: “We hope that politicians will also stand with the public to oppose what he described as the barbarity of the Israeli state and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”

From Athens, Sterczewski said the group is resting and preparing to return to Poland.

“We ask for a moment of patience. Once we eat and recover, I will provide details about our exact return,” he explained.

Polish activists receive 10-year ban from entering Israel

Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski, Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Socio-Cultural Association, and Karolina “Nina” Ptak, president of the Nomada Association, have been issued a 10-year ban from entering Israel. The group also collaborated with journalist and activist Ewa Jasiewicz, who holds British citizenship.

On Monday, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 171 detained flotilla participants had been deported to the Gaza Strip, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and a group of Polish citizens.

Poland’s top diplomat, Radosław Sikorski, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Polish citizens had safely arrived in Athens and thanked Polish diplomats and consular services for their efficient assistance.

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Source: IAR/PR1/MSZ/Facebook/FranekSterczewski