Gaza Aid Flotilla Activists Freed From Israeli Custody Allege Severe Abuse And Sexual Assault

Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained during a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have alleged severe abuse, including sexual assault and rape, organisers said on Friday.

The allegations have increased international pressure on Israel over its treatment of detainees after Israeli forces intercepted 50 vessels carrying around 430 activists in international waters on Tuesday.

Several activists were hospitalised after their release, while at least 15 people reported sexual assaults, according to organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Israel’s prison service denied all allegations.

“The allegations raised are false and entirely without factual basis,” an Israeli prison service spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that detainees were held according to the law and received proper medical treatment.

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

Germany said some of its citizens suffered injuries and described some accusations as “serious”. In Italy, prosecutors have opened investigations into possible crimes including kidnapping, torture and sexual assault.

The United Nations also expressed concern over the reports.

“We’re very concerned by these reports,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a briefing on Friday.

Global Sumud Flotilla said some detainees were transferred onto Israeli landing craft converted into temporary prison ships using shipping containers and barbed wire.

The group alleged activists were beaten, tasered and sexually abused. It said detainees faced humiliating strip searches, sexual taunting, groping and rape.

According to the organisation, at least 12 sexual assaults were reported aboard one detention vessel alone, including allegations of forcible penetration.

Spanish activist Mi Hoa Lee said she was beaten and tasered inside a darkened container aboard one of the ships.

“Four men started beating me in the face against the wall,” she said in a testimony released by organisers.

Italian activist Ilaria Mancosu told Reuters that detainees on one prison ship suffered heavier violence than others. She alleged some activists suffered broken ribs and fractured arms, while others sustained eye and ear injuries after being tasered.

She also claimed detainees spent two days on the ships without running water, blankets or enough clothing.

After being taken ashore, detainees were allegedly forced to kneel for hours and moved repeatedly between prison rooms to prevent sleep, she said.

The allegations emerged shortly after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing detained activists kneeling with restrained hands while Israel’s national anthem played in the background.

ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור

Welcome to Israel pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026

The video sparked criticism from several Western governments.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said European Union countries were discussing possible sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Rome prosecutors are expected to hear testimony from returning activists in the coming days, while German officials said injured activists were undergoing medical checks after arriving in Istanbul.

Sabrina Charik, who helped organise the return of 37 French citizens, said five French activists were hospitalised in Turkey with injuries including broken ribs and fractured vertebrae. Some also reported sexual violence allegations, including rape.

Investigations into the allegations are continuing as more activists return home and provide testimony.

References: Reuters, Firstpost