Israeli forces arrested Syrian activist Abd al-Rahman al-Dalati on Wednesday, October 8, while he was taking part in the “Freedom Flotilla” aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
Al-Dalati was aboard the Turkish vessel Al-Dhamir (“Conscience”), one of several ships sailing as part of the flotilla. His father, Sheikh Mahmoud al-Dalati, confirmed the arrest in a post on Facebook.
Qasim Aktag, the flotilla’s spokesperson, told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency that “the ships were surrounded, and soldiers are approaching to board them. Never forget us. Keep your eyes on us, and let us preserve our unity and solidarity.”
According to Anadolu, Al-Dhamir carried enough doctors and medical supplies to operate at least three hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
The Al Jazeera Net website reported that al-Dalati’s last message, sent at 5:23 a.m., read: “We are now facing a piracy attempt by Zionist military boats.”
He had previously predicted the scenario of his detention: “As the military boats approach, there will be a helicopter landing. We will surrender and raise the same hands that came to feed our brothers. You should be able to see everything live through the ship’s cameras until the occupation soldiers shut them off.”He added, “They will likely take us to Naqab Prison, as they did with our predecessors from the Mavi Marmara flotilla.”
Al-Dalati decided to join the flotilla on September 13, departing from Izmir Port in Turkey, sailing through Italy to Tunisia, and then joining the Freedom Flotilla there.He hails from Homs province (central Syria) and currently resides in Istanbul, Turkey.
Turkish Response
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement condemning Israel’s intervention in the flotilla’s ships while they were in international waters.It described the operation as “an act of piracy committed by Netanyahu’s genocidal government against the ‘Freedom Flotilla,’ which sailed to break the illegal and inhumane blockade on Gaza.”
The ministry said the attack on civilian activists, including Turkish citizens and members of parliament, constitutes a “serious violation” of international law.It added that by violently targeting all efforts defending human values and peaceful activism, Israel is escalating regional tensions and undermining efforts for lasting peace.
The statement affirmed that Ankara has taken “all necessary steps to ensure the immediate release and return of our citizens detained by Israeli forces” and that it is following up on the situation of other activists “in coordination with the concerned countries.”
Syrian activist Abd al-Rahman al-Dalati – October 8, 2025 (Al Jazeera)
International Condemnation
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza expressed its “strong condemnation” of the Israeli navy’s attack on nine vessels organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the 1000 Madeline Initiative for Gaza, carrying 145 international activists from over 25 countries while sailing in international waters.
In a statement published Wednesday, October 8, the committee called the attack a blatant violation of international law and maritime freedom, and “a clear assault on unarmed civilians and international humanitarians whose mission was to deliver essential aid and medical supplies to Gaza’s population.”
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has reached 67,137 people.
Committee head Zaher Birawi said that Israeli piracy in international waters and its crimes against civilians and humanitarians “will not deter us from continuing our humanitarian, legal, and political efforts.”He emphasized that the movement will persist in organizing “convoys and ships to break the siege and all forms of peaceful solidarity to deliver aid to our people in Gaza.”
Israel Arrests Syrian Activist Participating in “Freedom Flotilla” Enab Baladi.
Hence then, the article about israel arrests syrian activist participating in freedom flotilla was published today ( ) and is available on ُEnabbaladi ( Syria ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Israel Arrests Syrian Activist Participating in “Freedom Flotilla” )
Also on site :
- One person in critical condition following two-vehicle collision on SR-126 at Boosey Road
- Kentucky congressman announces death of longtime staffer, campaign manager
- Supermarket timings for Boxing Day and New Year revealed for Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl and more