Part of civilian flotilla taking aid to Gaza

A former Clearwater captain was among 428 activists detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, according to a group called Global Sumud Flotilla.

Liam Henrie, who last year served as a captain for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, which is based in Beacon, was on board La Cirena, one of the vessels intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Monday (May 18). He and the other detainees was released as of Thursday and deported to Turkey. Global Sumud Flotilla alleged the detainees were subjected to "extreme violence and sexual humiliation" by Israel Defense Forces.

Global Sumud Flotilla said that 31 of about 50 vessels were "boarded, disabled and seized" on May 18 near Cyprus. The flotilla had left from Turkey and was carrying food and medical supplies.

By Wednesday, the detainees had been taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The Times of Israel reported that the national security minister, Ben Gvir, posted a video online from a detention center in which he is shown taunting the prisoners, who are kneeling with their hands tied.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an unusual statement criticizing his minister. "Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza," he said. "However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel's values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible."

Global Sumud Flotilla said that Henrie, who lives in Kingston, also was among 180 people detained on April 29 when their flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces near Greece. The group said the activists were held on a prison ship for 36 hours.