Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have reported abuse, organizers said on Friday. Several were hospitalized with injuries, and at least 15 alleged sexual assaults, including rape. Israel's prison service denied the allegations, and Reuters could not independently verify them.
International Reactions
Germany stated that some of its nationals were injured and described some accusations as serious, without providing further details. A legal source in Italy confirmed that prosecutors are investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
An Israeli prison service spokesperson dismissed the allegations as false and without factual basis, asserting that all detainees are held lawfully with full regard for their basic rights. The Israeli military redirected queries to the Foreign Ministry, which in turn referred them to the prison service.
Flotilla Interception
On Tuesday, Israeli forces arrested 430 people aboard 50 ships in international waters to halt the flotilla, which aimed to bring aid to Gaza. The allegations of abuse add pressure on Israeli authorities, especially after a video surfaced of an Israeli cabinet minister mocking activists in prison, sparking international outrage.
Italy stated that EU members are discussing sanctions against Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported on Telegram: "At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape. Shot with rubber bullets at close range. Tens of people's bones broken."
Testimonies
Luca Poggi, an Italian economist detained on the flotilla, told Reuters: "We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked. Many of us were tasered, some were sexually assaulted, and some were denied access to a lawyer." Rome prosecutors are investigating possible crimes of kidnapping, torture, and sexual assault.
A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said consular officials met German activists in Istanbul and reported injuries among them. Humane treatment of German nationals is an absolute priority, and a full explanation is expected given the serious allegations.
Sabrina Charik, who helped organize the return of 37 French citizens, said five participants were hospitalized in Turkey with broken ribs or fractured vertebrae. Some made detailed accusations of sexual violence, including rape. French national Adrien Jouen showed bruises on his back and forearms in an Instagram post verified by Reuters.
Activists said some abuse occurred at sea after interception by Israeli naval forces, and some after arrest and imprisonment in Israel. Activists from several European countries were expected to return home on flights from Turkey after deportation from Israel on Thursday.
Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reported that 44 Spanish flotilla members were expected to arrive on Friday, with four receiving medical treatment for injuries.
Sanctions Discussions
Western governments expressed anger after Ben-Gvir posted a video mocking activists in prison. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he is in touch with EU counterparts to push for sanctions on Ben-Gvir. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas previously proposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir and another Israeli minister, but the proposal did not gain unanimous support.
EU foreign policy spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said sanctions are discussed and adopted unanimously by the 27 member states, declining to comment on confidential discussions.
