Activists from Freedom Flotilla Report Torture and Abuse by Israeli Forces

Several members of the global Freedom Flotilla “Sumud” have reported experiencing torture, sexual abuse, and inhumane treatment after Israeli soldiers intercepted boats heading to Gaza in international waters. These allegations, made in an interview with Al Jazeera, once again raise serious human rights accusations against Israel.

According to these European activists, after their detention, they were transferred to what they described as a “floating prison,” where they were subjected to days of beatings, humiliation, forced nudity, and deprivation of water, food, and sleep. They say the conditions of detention severely harmed their physical and mental health.

Sabrina, a French activist and flotilla participant, stated that the military treated detainees violently from the moment of transfer. She said passports were confiscated and the detainees were held in dark metal containers as temporary detention cells. She added that she was injected in the neck without explanation.

According to the activist, all 185 detainees were subjected to various forms of abuse. Doctors aboard the flotilla reported that dozens sustained injuries including fractures, head trauma, electric shocks, and cases of sexual harassment.

Fawzi Al-Shahee, another pro-Palestinian activist, said he was held for over 50 hours without water and had to stand at night due to overcrowding and fear of plastic bullet fire and tranquilizer gas. He added that some detainees were forced to kneel for hours under the scorching sun, and several showed dog bite marks on their bodies.

The Freedom Flotilla organizers announced that they have documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse, including instances of rape. They also noted that some activists were hospitalized after their release due to the severity of their injuries.

Meanwhile, a legal source in Italy has reported that the public prosecutor’s office in Rome has initiated an investigation into possible charges of kidnapping, torture, and sexual assault. Witness testimonies from several activists are expected to be recorded in the coming days. These developments may pave the way for broader international legal scrutiny.