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The organiser claimed activists were shot at close range with rubber bullets, suffered broken bones, and experienced multiple forms of abuse while in custody.
Members of the Global Sumud Flotilla deported by Israel pose outside a terminal following their arrival at Istanbul Airport. (AFP photo)
Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained during a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have alleged serious abuse, including sexual assault, according to organisers. Several participants were reportedly hospitalised with injuries, while at least 15 have claimed they were subjected to sexual violence, including rape.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post on X on Friday that detainees faced severe violence during their detention. It claimed activists were shot at close range with rubber bullets, suffered broken bones, and experienced multiple forms of abuse while in custody.
“At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape… While the world’s eye is trained on the suffering of our participants, we cannot emphasize enough that this is a mere glimpse of the brutality israel imposes daily on Palestinian hostages,” the organiser wrote.
At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape.Shot with rubber bullets at close range.
Tens of people’s bones broken.
While the world’s eye is trained on the suffering of our participants, we cannot emphasize enough that this is a mere glimpse of the brutality israel… pic.twitter.com/7h9GUkqfHy
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) May 22, 2026
Allegations Of Abuse
Organisers said the accounts from released participants point to a pattern of mistreatment during and after their interception by Israeli forces. They urged international pressure and accountability, calling for public action and diplomatic intervention.
“Statements of condemnation are not enough. This moment must be seized by people worldwide to apply the necessary pressure to end this colonial violence,” it added.
They also linked the alleged treatment of flotilla members to the broader situation in Gaza, saying the incident reflected wider concerns raised by activists about conditions faced by Palestinians in detention.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces had arrested 430 people aboard 50 ships in international waters to stop the flotilla of volunteers trying to deliver aid supplies to the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israel’s prison service strongly denied the allegations. A spokesperson said all detainees were held in accordance with the law and that their rights were fully respected under professional supervision.
“The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis… Medical care is provided according to professional medical judgment and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines,” an Israeli prison service spokesperson said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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