Activists released after being detained by Israeli forces during a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have alleged severe mistreatment, including beatings, sexual abuse and torture while in custody.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said on Friday that several detainees required hospital treatment after their release, while at least 15 activists reported incidents of sexual assault, including rape.
The allegations emerged after Israeli forces intercepted around 50 aid vessels in international waters recently and detained approximately 430 activists attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza Strip.
Former detainees described harsh treatment both at sea and after being transferred to detention facilities in Israel. Some alleged they were beaten, forced to kneel for hours, deprived of sleep and subjected to humiliating treatment.
According to the flotilla organisers, some detainees were confined inside shipping containers aboard converted prison vessels where assaults allegedly took place. The group claimed activists suffered strip searches, sexual harassment and physical violence.
Israel’s prison service rejected all allegations, saying detainees were treated according to legal and medical standards and that the accusations were “false and entirely without factual basis.”
However, several European governments said they were examining the claims seriously. Authorities in Italy have reportedly opened investigations into possible crimes including kidnapping, torture and sexual assault.
Germany confirmed that some German nationals returned with injuries and described the allegations as serious, while Spanish and French officials also said several citizens required medical treatment after release.
Italian activist Ilaria Mancosu alleged detainees were beaten by soldiers, shocked with tasers and denied basic necessities during detention. French organisers said some activists suffered broken ribs and spinal injuries.
The controversy has intensified pressure on Israeli authorities after a video surfaced showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking detained activists inside a prison facility.
The incident has sparked criticism from several European governments, with discussions reportedly underway within the European Union regarding possible sanctions against the minister.
The aid flotilla was organised amid growing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza and ongoing regional tensions following the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
