In a dramatic turn of events, two Floridians who had been detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza have safely returned home. Dr. Dia’a Daoud from Daytona Beach and Egan Louise Moore from Tampa Bay recounted their ordeal, describing how they were taken into custody by Israeli authorities while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a grassroots organization dedicated to challenging the “illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza,” as stated on their website. Over the years, the coalition has embarked on several voyages aimed at delivering essential supplies such as food and medicine to the residents of Gaza. However, their efforts have repeatedly been thwarted by the Israeli military.

Reflecting on the mission’s significance, Dr. Daoud emphasized the urgency of their humanitarian efforts. “Without our involvement, the Gazan people face an imminent threat of complete eradication,” he remarked, highlighting the dire circumstances facing the civilian population in Gaza.

According to a statement released by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, their latest mission consisted of a flotilla comprised of nine boats and 145 individuals representing 30 different countries. The flotilla was intercepted and, as described by the coalition, “violently abducted” in international waters, approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza’s coastline on October 8.

A release from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the most recent flotilla of nine boats, which contained 145 people from 30 countries, was “violently abducted” in international waters about 120 nautical miles from the Gazan coast on Oct. 8.

The people on the vessels were said to be elected officials, journalists, and doctors who were trying to bring over 15,000 kilograms of aid in “medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s starving hospitals,” according to the release.

All of the participants on the intercepted voyage have since been released after being detained by Israel.