Jerusalem, Israel. Organisers of a flotilla aiming to bring aid to Gaza said activists released from Israeli custody after being detained were subjected to abuse, with several hospitalised and at least 15 reporting sexual assaults, including rape. Israel’s prison service denied the allegations, which Reuters said it could not independently verify.
Organisers cite injuries and alleged sexual assaults
Organisers said on Friday that detainees were abused after being held by Israeli authorities following the interception of a flotilla seeking to deliver aid supplies to the Gaza Strip. The Global Sumud Flotilla posted on Telegram that there were “at least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape,” along with claims of people being shot with rubber bullets at close range and “tens of people’s bones broken.”
Israel’s prison service rejects accusations
An Israeli prison service spokesperson said in a statement that “the allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis.” The prison service said all prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with regard for basic rights and under the supervision of trained staff, adding that medical care is provided according to professional judgment and Ministry of Health guidelines.
The Israeli military referred queries to the Foreign Ministry, which referred them to the prison service.
Detentions at sea and international reactions
Israeli forces arrested 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to halt the flotilla of volunteers, according to the report.
Germany said some of its nationals had been injured and that some accusations were “serious,” without providing further details. A legal source in Italy said prosecutors there were investigating possible crimes including kidnapping and sexual assault.
The allegations added to pressure on Israeli authorities to explain the treatment of detainees after video of an Israeli cabinet minister in a prison mocking some activists sparked an international outcry. Italy said European Union members were discussing imposing sanctions on the minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.
What questions do you have about the allegations and the official responses surrounding the detained flotilla activists?