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Most activists remain incarcerated. Canadian journalist Jihan Hafiz recounted what happened:
"There were three warships....four Zodiacs, four water cannon boats, as well as four regular gunboats. All of the commandos on all of these boats were heavily armed. It looked like they were taking on an army from a foreign country.""Two water cannons started to pour lots of water into the Irish boat, which flooded it, blew their sockets, and cut off the electricity."
Irish participants told Israeli commandos, "We're taking on water. We're sinking. We're going to go down at sea if you continue with the water."
Hafiz explained how violently they were treated. Guns were pointed at their heads. Participants were roughed up, mistreated, strip-searched, and filmed naked. Personal possessions were stolen and not returned, including journalists' equipment.
Canadian Boat to Gaza organizer Wendy Goldsmith said:
"Our friends have been assaulted, tasered, beaten, kidnapped, robbed and imprisoned." Israel's threatening two months detention. Why aren't Canadian officials helping?
Canadian organizer Dylan Penner added:
"We are disappointed, but not surprised, by the inaction of (Foreign Minister) Baird and (Prime Minister) Harper. In its failure to speak out against Israel's blockade of Gaza, the Canadian government is condoning Israel's disregard for the human rights of the citizens of Gaza and giving it impunity for its refusal to comply with its international obligations."
On November 9, Ireland's Ship to Gaza said seven of its 14 participants were released and heading home Thursday, November 10. Others are expected back Friday, and are available for press interviews on arrival.
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