Gaza Flotilla Organiser Alleges Freed Activists Were Assaulted, Including Rape, In Israeli Custody

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 20:45 IST

The organiser claimed activists were shot at close range with rubber bullets, suffered broken bones, and experienced multiple forms of abuse while in custody.

Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained during a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have alleged serious abuse, including sexual assault, according to organisers. Several participants were reportedly hospitalised with injuries, while at least 15 have claimed they were subjected to sexual violence, including rape.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post on X on Friday that detainees faced severe violence during their detention. It claimed activists were shot at close range with rubber bullets, suffered broken bones, and experienced multiple forms of abuse while in custody.

“At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape… 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 imposes daily on Palestinian hostages," the organiser wrote.

Allegations Of Abuse

Organisers said the accounts from released participants point to a pattern of mistreatment during and after their interception by Israeli forces. They urged international pressure and accountability, calling for public action and diplomatic intervention.

“Statements of condemnation are not enough. This moment must be seized by people worldwide to apply the necessary pressure to end this colonial violence," it added.

They also linked the alleged treatment of flotilla members to the broader situation in Gaza, saying the incident reflected wider concerns raised by activists about conditions faced by Palestinians in detention.

News world Gaza Flotilla Organiser Alleges Freed Activists Were Assaulted, Including Rape, In Israeli Custody

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