Organisers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla said freed foreign activists who were detained after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels in international waters had reported abuse while in custody, including allegations of sexual assault.
In a statement released on Telegram on Friday, organisers from the Global Sumud Flotilla said several activists had also been hospitalised with injuries following their deportation from Israel.
Germany confirmed that some of its nationals who had been on board suffered injuries, while Italian prosecutors were reported to be investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organisation was concerned by the allegations, referring to testimonies from activists as well as videos circulated online showing the treatment of detainees.
Activists describe abuse during detention
Israeli forces intercepted about 50 ships carrying roughly 430 people on Tuesday in an effort to halt the flotilla, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing foreign activists being held on an Israeli landing craft converted into a temporary detention facility in Ashdod.
The footage showed detainees kneeling with cable ties while Israel’s national anthem played in the background, drawing criticism and increasing pressure on Israeli authorities to address claims of mistreatment.
Dujarric said those still being held should be released and returned home, while individuals responsible for any abuse should be held accountable.
Global Sumud Flotilla organisers said they had documented at least 15 cases of alleged sexual abuse, with some incidents reportedly occurring on one of the converted detention vessels.
The organisers alleged that detainees were thrown into containers and beaten on the head and ribs. They also claimed activists were subjected to humiliating strip searches, sexual taunting, groping and other forms of abuse.
A separate Telegram statement from the organisers alleged that some activists were shot with rubber bullets at close range and suffered broken bones.
Activists recount injuries and harsh treatment
Italian economist Luca Poggi, who was among those detained, told Reuters upon arriving in Rome that activists were stripped, thrown to the ground and kicked during detention.
He also alleged that some detainees were tasered, sexually assaulted and denied access to legal representation.
Italian activist Ilaria Mancosu said flotilla members were transferred onto two separate prison ships, with conditions on one vessel described as significantly harsher.
She alleged that detainees were locked inside containers and beaten by soldiers, suffering fractures to ribs and arms, while others sustained eye and ear injuries from tasers.
According to Mancosu, activists spent two days on the vessels without running water and used cardboard and plastic sheets to keep warm after most of their clothes were taken away.
She added that once on land, detainees were allegedly forced to kneel for hours and were kicked or shoved if they moved or spoke. They were later transferred between prison rooms repeatedly to prevent them from sleeping.
Italian prosecutors are reportedly investigating allegations involving kidnapping, torture and sexual assault, and are expected to gather testimony from returning activists.
Governments seek explanations as Israel denies claims
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said consular officials who met German activists arriving in Istanbul from Israel observed that several individuals had injuries and required medical examinations.
The ministry stated that humane treatment of German nationals remained an “absolute priority” and called for a full explanation regarding the allegations.
French organiser Sabrina Charik said five French activists had been hospitalised in Turkiye, with some suffering broken ribs and fractured vertebrae. She added that some detainees had made detailed allegations involving sexual violence.
French activist Adrien Jouen later shared images on Instagram showing bruises across his back and forearms.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said 44 Spanish flotilla members were expected to return from Istanbul to Madrid and Barcelona on Friday, with four receiving medical treatment for injuries.
Israel’s prison service denied all allegations of abuse.
“The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis,” an Israeli prison service spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that all detainees were held according to the law and under the supervision of trained prison personnel.
Long history of flotilla confrontations
The flotilla movement began in 2006 during Israel’s war on Lebanon and expanded after the blockade on Gaza was imposed in 2007.
Since then, international solidarity groups have organised numerous vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists in attempts to reach Gaza by sea.
In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement became the first to successfully enter Gaza despite the blockade.
Two years later, Israeli commandos stormed the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, leaving 10 activists dead and dozens injured.
Since then, Israeli forces have intercepted nearly all flotillas attempting to reach Gaza through international waters.
Organisers said allegations of mistreatment involving detained activists have repeatedly surfaced after such interceptions, raising concerns over what they describe as escalating crackdowns against solidarity movements.
