Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla say they were beaten, tortured and sexually assaulted while detained by Israeli forces after vessels carrying 428 people and humanitarian aid to Gaza were intercepted. Adalah documented testimonies alleging taser and rubber-bullet use, suspected broken bones and multiple reports of rape, including claims of forcible penetration. Israeli authorities deny the allegations and say any formal complaints will be investigated. Governments in Germany, Italy and Canada have raised concerns and some have opened or signaled probes; Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly reprimanded National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his conduct toward detainees.
Flotilla Activists Allege Rape, Beatings and Torture While Detained by Israeli Forces
Activists from a Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla at Fiumicino Airport, Italy, on May 21. The group alleged sexual assault by Israeli forces, including “forcible penetration by a handgun." - Remo Casilli/Reuters
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains graphic descriptions of alleged sexual violence, physical torture and abuse.
Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla say they were subjected to beatings, torture and sexual violence while detained by Israeli forces after their vessels were intercepted en route to Gaza. The flotilla, carrying 428 passengers and humanitarian supplies including food and medicine, was intercepted over several days after departing Turkey.
Allegations From Detainees
Adalah, an Israel-based human rights organization representing several participants, told CNN its lawyers documented testimonies alleging the use of tasers and rubber bullets, beatings that left some with suspected broken bones, and multiple accounts of sexual violence. A statement attributed to the Global Sumud Flotilla reported claims including "multiple accounts of rape" and allegations of "forcible penetration by a handgun." Survivors provided video and in-person testimony after being returned to Turkey; some opted not to describe details publicly and others said they feared reprisals while still detained.
"In the past 10 years of Adalah representing activists on flotillas, this is by far the most severe violence and assaults that we've encountered," said Miriam Azem, Adalah's international advocacy coordinator.
Firsthand Accounts
Australian filmmaker Juliet Lamont, speaking at Istanbul Airport while still wearing the grey tracksuit reportedly issued by the Israel Prison Service (IPS), said she was beaten and sexually assaulted by five men inside a shipping container on what she described as an Israeli "prison boat." "You know they've broken our bones, but they haven't broken our soul," she said.
Australian national Zack Schofield, speaking from a hospital in Istanbul, described being zip-tied with his hands behind his back in extreme pain, having his head slammed onto a table during processing, repeated knee strikes to the chest and face, and pliers used on his ears. He said he witnessed others being forcefully restrained and choked to the ground. Additional video statements from activists at the airport described similar mistreatment.
Injured activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, are seen at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on Thursday. Their aim was to deliver relief to Palestinians under Israel's siege in Gaza. - Burak Kara/Getty Images
Official Responses
The Israel Prison Service told CNN the allegations are "false and entirely without factual basis" and said it "operates in accordance with the law." The IPS added that detainees are held with regard for their basic rights under the supervision of trained staff and that any specific, formal complaints will be investigated according to established procedures.
The Israel Defense Forces similarly rejected claims of abuse, saying its "orders require respectful and appropriate treatment of flotilla participants on the intercepted vessels, and there are clear and established procedures in this regard." The IDF said any concrete complaints will be examined thoroughly.
International Reaction and Investigations
The activists' accounts have prompted international concern. Germany said some of its nationals were injured and described some accusations as "serious." Italian prosecutors are reported to be investigating possible crimes including kidnapping and sexual assault, and Canadian officials say they have received information about "appalling abuse" of Canadian detainees and demand accountability.
The controversy also intensified scrutiny of Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he posted footage of detained activists kneeling with hands bound while he waved an Israeli flag and described them as "terror supporters." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir’s conduct as "not in line with Israel's values," even as he defended the decision to intercept the flotilla.
Context
The flotilla said its mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where many civilians continue to face severe shortages of food, water and medicine despite the October 2025 US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The flotilla’s interception and the allegations of abuse have elevated diplomatic tensions and prompted calls for independent investigation.
Note: The allegations reported here are serious and have been denied by Israeli authorities. Several governments have said they will seek further information or investigate. Where possible, the reporting distinguishes between allegations and official denials.
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