ROME: Activists released from Israeli custody after the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have alleged severe abuse, including rape, sexual assault and beatings, intensifying international pressure on Israel over the treatment of detainees.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Friday that at least 15 activists reported sexual abuse while being held after Israeli forces intercepted 50 aid vessels carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza earlier this week.
The allegations include claims of humiliating strip searches, physical assault, tasering, groping and rape aboard what organisers described as makeshift “prison ships” used to detain the activists after their arrest in international waters.
However, several European governments acknowledged receiving reports of injuries and mistreatment from their nationals after they were released.
Germany said some of its citizens suffered injuries, while Italy confirmed prosecutors had opened investigations into possible crimes including kidnapping, torture and sexual assault.
French organisers said at least five French activists required hospital treatment in Turkey after their release, with some suffering broken ribs and spinal injuries.
Harsh detention conditions
Activists described harsh detention conditions, saying they were confined inside shipping containers surrounded by barbed wire, denied proper water access, stripped of clothing and repeatedly beaten.
Spanish activist Mi Hoa Lee said she was tasered and beaten unconscious aboard one of the detention vessels. Italian activist Ilaria Mancosu told the media some detainees suffered fractures and eye injuries during the ordeal.
“Four men started beating me in the face against the wall, and I fell down and then stood up again, again to the floor, stood up again, and they started tasering me for more than one minute,” she said, pointing to her ribcage, hips and back where she said they applied the taser.
“Then they kept beating me until I almost lost my conscience,” she added.
The controversy has further strained Israel’s ties with several European governments after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video mocking detained activists while they were restrained inside prison facilities.
Italy, Spain and Ireland have since called for possible European Union sanctions against Ben-Gvir, while Britain summoned Israel’s senior diplomat over the incident.
The United Nations also expressed concern over the allegations.
“We’re very concerned by these reports,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
The flotilla interception came amid growing international criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and mounting tensions surrounding Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries into the besieged Palestinian territory.
