Activists involved in the international Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid and food supplies to Palestinians in Gaza, have accused Israeli forces of rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
Several flotilla vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted by Israel on different dates this year. Most recently, Israeli forces stopped the flotilla between May 18 and 19. During the operation, hundreds of activists were arrested and detained.
Organizers of the movement alleged that detainees were raped and sexually abused while being held at sea by Israeli forces. They also claimed that activists suffered physical assaults and other forms of mistreatment.
According to the organizers, medical examinations conducted after the activists were released and taken to hospitals found evidence of sexual abuse on at least 15 individuals, including some alleged rape victims.
Earlier this week, Israeli forces also intercepted around 50 vessels heading toward Gaza in international waters and detained approximately 430 people on board.
“At least 15 victims of sexual abuse have been identified, including rape victims. Some people were also shot at close range with rubber bullets, while others suffered broken bones,” organizers said.
The group stated that these incidents reflect what they described as ongoing human rights abuses committed by Israel against Palestinians and detainees connected to Gaza.
Italian economist Luca Poggi, who traveled with the flotilla, claimed that detainees had their clothes removed and were subjected to taser attacks. He also alleged that some activists were denied access to legal representation during detention.
Italian prosecutors have reportedly launched an investigation to determine whether Israeli authorities committed any crimes against the detained activists.
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