Kenan Akcil, one of the activists who was injured during Israeli forces' raid on a six-ship flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, said that they only tried to protect humanitarian aid materials in the ships.

Akcil, who has been hospitalized in Ankara, told the A.A, "I was on the deck when our ship was raided. We only tried to protect humanitarian aid materials in the ship. We did not have any weapons. I was shot in my back while trying to throw a soldier into the sea. Israeli forces used real bullets as well as percussion and smoke bombs. I was taken to a hospital in Jerusalem. Doctors treated me while my hands were handcuffed."

Another activist, Murat Taskin, said from his hospital bed, "our ship was surrounded by 15 assault boats. There were three frigates waiting in the sea. Although our captain said that there was nothing in the ships except for humanitarian aid materials, Israeli forces opened fire. I was injured in my back, arm and face. They dragged me after handcuffing my hands. Israeli doctors did not maltreat us."

Al Mahti al Harati, an Irish citizen of Libyan descent, said that there were many people on board the ships from different countries such as Bulgaria, France, Greece, the USA, Libya and Turkey.

"They first cut all communication systems. Then, they boarded the ships from boats and opened fire on people randomly. They forced us to kneel down and handcuffed us. I am happy to be in Turkey now," he added.


AA