Gaza flotilla activists allege sexual assault and rape in Israeli detention

Activists detained by Israeli forces after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza on ships in international waters reported abuse while in custody. Organisers alleged multiple injuries requiring hospitalisation and at least 15 reports of sexual assaults, including rape. Israel’s prison service denied the allegations, stating detainees are held according to law with rights protected and medical care provided under health guidelines. Germany reported injuries among some nationals and said some accusations were serious. Italy’s prosecutors were reported to be investigating possible crimes including kidnapping and sexual assault. Israeli forces arrested hundreds of people across multiple ships to stop the flotilla, and prior prison video footage involving a senior Israeli security minister contributed to international pressure and calls for sanctions.

"Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla trying to take aid to Gaza were subjected to abuse, organisers have alleged, with several hospitalised with injuries and at least 15 reporting sexual assaults, including rape. Israel's prison service denied the allegations, and Reuters was not able to verify them independently. Germany said some of its nationals had been injured and that some accusations were serious, without giving further details."

"An Israeli prison service spokesperson said in a statement: The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis. All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights and under the supervision of professional and trained prison staff, they said. Medical care is provided according to professional medical judgment and in accordance with ministry of health guidelines."

"Israeli forces arrested 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to halt the flotilla of volunteers trying to take aid supplies to the Gaza Strip. The allegations of abuse will add to pressure on Israeli authorities to explain the treatment of the detainees, after video footage of the Israeli security minister mocking some of the activists in prison sparked an international outcry."

"At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape, organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla posted on the Telegram social media app. 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 i"

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