Gaza flotilla activists allege abuse by Israeli forces
Activists returning to Turkey from Israel report widespread physical abuse and sexual violence, while Israeli authorities deny the allegations
Hundreds of activists from the Global Sumud Gaza flotilla arrived in Turkey on Thursday after being deported from Israel. Many of the returning individuals showed visible signs of physical distress, with some covered in bruises and others requiring the use of wheelchairs or stretchers to travel. Upon their arrival in Turkey, a large number of the activists alleged they had been subjected to severe abuse, including physical beatings and sexual assault, at the hands of Israeli forces during their detention.[1][2]
The deported detainees reported that they were repeatedly slapped, hit, and humiliated during their period of detention, with some being subjected to sexual violence. According to organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, foreign activists reported at least 15 distinct cases of sexual assault, which included allegations of rape, while they were being held in custody by Israeli forces.[1][3]
In response to the accusations of physical and sexual violence, Israel's prison service has denied the claims. The service has stated that the allegations of beatings, humiliation, and sexual assault made by the returning flotilla activists are false.[1]
