Dimitrov recounts brutal Israeli detention after “Sumud” flotilla mission

Vasil Dimitrov, a Bulgarian detained by Israeli authorities during the “Sumud” Global flotilla, spoke to NOVA after returning to Bulgaria. The flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and raise awareness of the crisis, was stopped before reaching its destination. Dimitrov was on one of the detained boats.

He described the capture, saying Israeli commandos boarded their boat, took control, and transported them to Ashdod port. They were held face down for hours before being sent to a high-security prison in Israel.

Dimitrov learned about the flotilla from social media and joined after a series of remote interviews. The mission aimed to provide aid and highlight Gaza’s situation. He was arrested in international waters, where no country has jurisdiction.

Dimitrov thanked the Bulgarian consul in Israel for helping keep his family informed during his detention. He also shared that everyone in the flotilla discarded their phones to avoid further persecution.