Dr. Zaheera Soomar, a South African activist and Sharjah-based mother of three, has returned to the UAE after a six-day detention by the Israeli army. Soomar was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian maritime mission aimed at breaking Gaza’s blockade by delivering humanitarian aid. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in early October, leading to the arrest of its participants. Soomar recounted her ordeal, describing crowded cells, aggressive handling by guards, and moments where she feared for her life. Despite the trauma, she remains resolute in her commitment to Palestinian justice and freedom. Soomar was deported to South Africa on Monday and arrived in the UAE on Tuesday morning. She expressed concerns about the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by former US President Donald J. Trump, citing Israel’s continued restrictions on aid to Gaza. Soomar, a business executive and professor, has been advocating for Palestinian rights for over a decade, drawing parallels to her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Her participation in the flotilla underscores her dedication to the cause, despite the personal risks involved.
‘Feared for my life’: UAE expat recounts captivity in Israeli prison after Gaza flotilla seizure
