Gaza Aid Flotilla Activists Allege Sexual Abuse in Israeli Detention

Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza have condemned Israel after freed foreign activists alleged abuse during their detention, including at least 15 cases of sexual assault or rape.

In a statement on Telegram on Friday, the organizers added that several activists were hospitalized for injuries, a day after hundreds were expelled from Israel.

Germany confirmed that some of its citizens on the flotilla were injured and that some allegations were “serious,” without providing further details. A legal source in Italy said prosecutors are investigating possible crimes, including abduction and sexual assault.

Israeli forces abducted about 430 people on 50 vessels in international waters on Tuesday to prevent the volunteer flotilla from carrying aid to the Gaza Strip.

The abuse allegations pile pressure on Israeli authorities to account for their treatment of detainees after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing him taunting foreign activists at a temporary detention camp in the Israeli city of Ashdod. The video, released Wednesday, shows the activists handcuffed and kneeling while the Israeli national anthem plays.

Strip-searched, thrown to the ground, kicked

“At least 15 sexual assaults, including rape. Shot with rubber bullets at close range. Dozens of fractures,” the Global Sumud Flotilla organizers posted on Telegram. “While the world fixates on the suffering of the participants, we cannot stress enough that this is only a glimpse into the brutality Israel imposes daily on Palestinian hostages.”

Luca Poggi, an Italian economist detained on the flotilla, told Reuters: “We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked. Many were electroshocked, some were sexually assaulted, and some were denied access to a lawyer.”

Ilaria Mancosu, an Italian activist, said flotilla members were taken from their vessels to two ships called prison ships. Those taken to one of those ships suffered more violence than others. They were locked in containers and beaten by five soldiers, causing broken ribs and arms. Some suffered serious eye and ear injuries from stun guns.

Mancosu added that they were on the prison ship for two days without running water, using cardboard and plastic to keep warm at night because they had no blankets and had been stripped of most of their clothes. Ashore, they were forced to kneel for hours and were pushed with kicks if they moved or spoke. Then they were taken to prison and frequently moved from one room to another to prevent sleep.

Rome prosecutors are investigating possible crimes of abduction, torture, and sexual assault, and will hear testimony from activists returning to Italy in the coming days, the Italian legal source said.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said consular officials met German activists when they arrived in Istanbul, Turkey from Israel on Thursday, reporting that some had injuries and were receiving medical checks. “We naturally expect a full explanation, because some of the allegations that have been made are serious.”

Sabrina Charik, who helped organize the return of 37 French citizens from the flotilla, said five French activists were hospitalized in Turkey, some with broken ribs or vertebrae. Some have made detailed allegations of sexual violence, including rape.

The Israel Prison Service rejected the allegations and Al Jazeera could not independently verify any claims. “The allegations that have been made are false and completely without factual basis,” the Israel Prison Service spokesperson said. “All prisoners and detainees are treated according to the law, with full respect for their fundamental rights and under the supervision of professional and trained prison staff.”

In an Instagram post by an activist group, French citizen Adrien Jouen displayed bruises across his back and forearm. Activists said some abuse occurred at sea after being intercepted by Israeli naval forces, and some after they were abducted and imprisoned in Israel.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said 44 Spanish flotilla members were expected to arrive on Friday on flights from Istanbul to Madrid and Barcelona. Four of them received medical treatment for injuries.

History of violent, deadly interceptions

The flotilla movement emerged in 2006 during Israel’s war in Lebanon and expanded after Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007. Since then, hundreds of vessels organized by international solidarity groups have attempted to reach the territory, carrying humanitarian aid and activists.

In 2008, two Free Gaza Movement ships became the first to reach Gaza by sea despite the blockade. In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara; 10 activists were killed and dozens wounded. Israeli forces have intercepted almost every flotilla on international waters since then.

Allegations of mistreatment from activists brought to Israel after sea interceptions are common, and organizers say they fear sanctions and false allegations of links to Hamas are being used to justify further crackdowns.