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Ciarrie Shelver Speaks Out: Inside Israeli Detention After the Gaza Flotilla Seizure
A Voyage of Humanity Turns into a Fight for Dignity
When Johannesburg-born human rights advocate Ciarrie Shelver joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, she did so out of conscience. The mission set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, but instead of reaching the enclave, Shelver and her team were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.
Now back home in South Africa, Shelver has spoken out about what she endured and what she witnessed. Her words paint a stark picture of life inside Israeli detention. “We were denied medication, denied food, denied sleep,” she said. “We experienced humiliation and violence, yet this is nothing compared to what Palestinians face daily.”
Intercepted at Sea
The flotilla of small sailing boats had travelled from Barcelona to Tunis and then onward to Sicily, where Shelver joined the Swiss delegation after completing her training. The group was only 42 nautical miles from Gaza when Israeli military vessels surrounded them.
“They used three types of ships, a large prison ship and two gunboats,” Shelver explained. “They boarded, seized our vessels, and took us to Ashdod.”
Their boats were confiscated, and the aid they carried was taken. From there, the activists were transferred to an immigration detention facility, then a prison near Gaza.
Inside Israeli Custody
Shelver described sleep deprivation, denial of food and medical care, and psychological intimidation. The walls of their cells, she recalled, were scrawled with desperate messages left by Palestinian detainees, letters to mothers, family notes, and stories written in fading ink and blood.
“These reminded us that this was not about us,” she said. “We were doing the least we could to save our own humanity in the face of this genocide. The focus must stay on ending the siege and liberating Palestine.”
Homecoming and Solidarity
When the South African participants landed at OR Tambo International Airport, they were greeted by crowds waving Palestinian flags and singing freedom songs. From young children to elders, the crowd cheered their return, turning the arrivals hall into a space of unity and relief.
Fellow activist Jared Sacks, who was unable to board due to technical sabotage, called their courage “an inspiration to everyone who believes in justice.”
“They went to deliver food and medicine to people being deliberately starved,” Sacks said. “Their bravery has shown that ordinary people can still take a stand when governments remain silent.”
From Johannesburg to Geneva, One Voice for Justice
Shelver, who now works in Geneva in human rights advocacy, said the experience only strengthened her resolve. “This isn’t about heroism. It’s about humanity,” she said. “And that humanity must extend to every Palestinian living under blockade.”
The activists’ message was clear upon landing: their mission may have been interrupted, but their fight for freedom, dignity, and justice for Gaza continues.
Also read: Margaret Arnolds Fights the Rumours: Joburg’s Coalition Isn’t Crumbling
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: X (formerly known Twitter)/@CarrieShelver
