Arabic version: نشطاء يبلغون عن إساءة بعد احتجازهم من قبل إسرائيل في قافلة غزة
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla have reported that foreign activists, recently freed from Israeli detention, faced severe abuse, including at least 15 allegations of sexual assault or rape. These claims emerged after hundreds of activists were deported from Israel following their abduction in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, several activists were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during their detention.
The flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, had about 430 individuals on board, attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies. Reports indicate that some activists from Germany and Italy sustained serious injuries, prompting legal investigations into potential crimes such as kidnapping and sexual assault. An Italian economist, Luca Poggi, described the brutal treatment they received, including being stripped, beaten, and tasered.
Ilaria Mancosu, another activist, recounted the harsh conditions on the detention ships, where detainees were allegedly locked in containers and physically abused by soldiers. They reportedly endured inadequate living conditions, lacking basic necessities such as running water and blankets. After their transfer to land, detainees were reportedly forced to kneel for several hours and subjected to physical violence if they attempted to speak or move.
As investigations unfold, the German Foreign Ministry stated that the humane treatment of its nationals is a priority, while also expressing concerns over the serious nature of the allegations. Activists returning to Italy have been urged to provide testimony to investigators, and reports indicate that some activists from France have also been hospitalized with injuries and have made accusations of sexual violence.
Israel’s prison service has denied the allegations, claiming that all detainees are treated in accordance with the law and their rights are respected. However, the accusations of abuse during the flotilla’s interception and subsequent detention have raised significant scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of activists involved in humanitarian efforts towards Gaza.
