Pro-Palestinian activists deported by Israel say they faced abuse after their Gaza-bound aid boats were intercepted at sea.
Activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla have accused Israeli forces of physical and sexual abuse after being detained during an operation to stop Gaza-bound aid boats.
The flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels, had sailed from Turkey last week in an attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies.
According to organisers, several detainees reported beatings, broken bones and at least 15 alleged cases of sexual assault. The BBC said it could not independently verify the claims.
Canada said it had received reports describing the “appalling abuse” of detained Canadian citizens. Germany and Spain also confirmed that some of their nationals returned with injuries requiring medical attention.
Israel intercepted the flotilla west of Cyprus earlier this week and transferred detainees to the port of Ashdod before placing them in detention. On Thursday, Israeli authorities deported 422 activists from 41 countries.
The Israel Defense Forces denied the allegations, saying troops were required to treat detainees respectfully. Israel’s prison service also dismissed the claims as “false” and insisted detainees were treated according to the law.
Israel has described the flotilla mission as a political stunt linked to Hamas. In contrast, activists say the operation aimed to deliver food and medical aid to civilians in Gaza.
The allegations are likely to increase international scrutiny over Israel’s handling of detained foreign activists amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
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