Activists detained by Israel claim physical and sexual abuse occurred

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At least 15 cases of reported sexual assault or rape have been alleged against foreign activists who were abducted from international waters by Israeli forces, according to organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The statement was made on Telegram on Friday, a day after hundreds of activists were deported from Israel.

The flotilla, which aimed to bring aid supplies to the Gaza Strip, had over 430 people on board 50 ships when they were intercepted by Israeli forces on Tuesday. Several activists have been hospitalised with injuries, and some German nationals reported being injured during their detention.

Prosecutors in Italy are investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault, according to a legal source. Italian consular officials who met German activists upon their arrival from Israel reported that several had injuries and were undergoing medical checks.

The allegations of abuse have added to pressure on Israeli authorities to explain the treatment of detainees after a video was released by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing him taunting foreign activists at a makeshift holding pen in Ashdod. The activists are seen cable-tied and kneeling while Israel’s national anthem blares in the background.

Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla stated that “at least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape” were reported, as well as instances of rubber bullet injuries and broken bones. They also noted that many activists were subjected to physical abuse, including being tasered and denied access to a lawyer.

German Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that some German nationals had been injured during their detention, with consular officials reporting that humane treatment was an “absolute priority”. Sabrina Charik, who helped organise the return of 37 French citizens from the flotilla, reported that five French participants had been hospitalised in Turkey with injuries, including broken ribs and fractured vertebrae.

The Israeli prison service has denied the allegations, but prosecutors in Italy are investigating possible crimes.

Source: Al Jazeera