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Polish activists of Global Sumud Flotilla return home after deportation from Israel

09.10.2025 10:10
According to the Polish daily "Gazeta Wyborcza," they plan to meet soon with Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski to discuss Poland’s stance toward Israel.
Polish participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, deported earlier by Isarael, returned Warsaw from Athens on Wednesday afternoon of October 8, 2025. In the photo, under the flag, second from left is Omar Faris, next to him Ewa Jasiewicz, on the right Karolina Nina Ptak, and beside her MP Franciszek Sterczewski.
Polish participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, deported earlier by Isarael, returned Warsaw from Athens on Wednesday afternoon of October 8, 2025. In the photo, under the flag, second from left is Omar Faris, next to him Ewa Jasiewicz, on the right Karolina "Nina" Ptak, and beside her MP Franciszek Sterczewski.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

UPDATE: “We were threatened and sleep-deprived”: Polish activists recall detention in Israel after Gaza aid mission

During a press briefing at Warsaw’s Okęcie Airport, just after landing on the afternoon of October 8, 2025, Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski called for a change in the government’s approach.

“We are deeply disappointed with the position of the deputy prime minister and foreign minister. While we were trying to draw the world’s attention to this genocide, why did Minister Sikorski downplay the situation?” he asked.

Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

The Polish participants, including Sterczewski, Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Socio-Cultural Association, Karolina “Nina” Ptak, president of the Nomada Association, and activist-journalist Ewa Jasiewicz, of Polish origin and holding British citizenship, were detained and deported by Israeli authorities after the flotilla was intercepted in the Mediterranean.

The group was among more than 40 yachts carrying nearly 480 people at the beginning of October. After deportation to Athens, they returned to Poland. All Polish members of the flotilla have received a 10-year ban from entering Israel.

Polish humanitarians reveal how Israel treated them after Gaza aid blockade

The flotilla, involving activists from multiple countries, aimed to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provide medical and other essential aid to residents living under a long-standing blockade.

Sterczewski described the conditions during their five-day detention in Israel as harsh: “We were not allowed to sleep, guards shone lights in our eyes for hours, played music from Israeli propaganda films, spat on us, and threatened us with weapons.”

He stressed that the focus should remain on the approximately 11,000 Palestinians, including over 400 children, held in Israeli prisons, who often face far worse treatment.

From left: Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Socio-Cultural Association, and Karolina “Nina” Ptak, president of the Nomada Association. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak From left: Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Socio-Cultural Association, and Karolina “Nina” Ptak, president of the Nomada Association. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Omar Faris noted that Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza has lasted 18 years and emphasized that the flotilla’s mission was peaceful and humanitarian, aimed at helping the Palestinian people.

Sterczewski also called for Poland to adopt a balanced diplomatic approach, saying, “We expect Poland to be strong toward the powerful and empathetic toward those who need help.”

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Source: IAR/GW/TVN24