Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 22: Organisers of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla have alleged that foreign activists detained by Israeli forces after the interception of aid vessels in international waters were subjected to abuse, including incidents of sexual assault and rape.
According to the organisers, several activists were hospitalised with injuries after being deported from Israel on Thursday. The group claimed that at least 15 detainees reported sexual assault or rape during detention.
Israeli forces had intercepted around 50 aid vessels carrying nearly 430 activists and volunteers attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this week.
The allegations emerged after a video released by Itamar Ben-Gvir showed detained activists kneeling with cable ties in a makeshift holding area in Ashdod while Israel’s national anthem played in the background.
In a statement shared on Telegram, organisers alleged that detainees suffered broken bones, injuries from rubber bullets and taser attacks.
Italian activist Luca Poggi alleged that detainees were stripped, kicked and assaulted while in custody. Another activist, Ilaria Mancosu, claimed some activists suffered fractures to ribs and arms and injuries to their eyes and ears due to tasers.
According to the activists, detainees were allegedly kept for two days on prison ships without running water, blankets or adequate clothing before being transferred to detention facilities on land.
The allegations have prompted legal scrutiny in several countries. Prosecutors in Italy are reportedly examining possible offences including kidnapping, torture and sexual assault.
Germany confirmed that some of its citizens who were part of the flotilla sustained injuries and stated that the allegations were serious. France also reported that several activists required medical treatment after release.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said 44 Spanish activists were expected to return home from Turkiye, with some having already received medical care.
Israel’s prison service denied all allegations, stating that detainees were treated according to the law and their rights were respected under professional supervision.
The flotilla movement began in 2006 following Israel’s war on Lebanon and expanded after the blockade on Gaza was imposed in 2007. Since then, several international aid missions have attempted to reach Gaza by sea despite repeated interceptions by Israeli forces.
One of the most prominent incidents occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos boarded the Turkish aid ship Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of 10 activists.