Israel Abducts Global Sumud Flotilla Activists, Torture Claims After Ben-Gvir Video

Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla say Israeli forces abducted them in international waters after raiding and detaining them while they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and they describe violence and mistreatment in Israeli custody.

Canadian activist Ehab Lotayef, showing a bandaged hand, said one Israeli soldier “came and stabbed me in my hand,” adding that he lost sensation in the wounded hand and that activists were beaten “as punishment.”

26 September Net

TRT World also reports that in Israeli custody, notorious minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting pro-Palestine activists who were zip-tied and forced to kneel after being detained by Israeli forces in international waters.

Anatolia Ajansı reported that Algerian activist Muhammed Harkati said, “It was a humanitarian, peaceful mission,” but that while in international waters they were attacked and abducted and then held in prison.

Anadolu Ajansı further says Harkati was taken to Ashdod Port and then to prison, where he said, “The beatings and torture we endured cannot be compared to what our Palestinian brothers are suffering.”

Global outcry followed a video posted by Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detainees displayed with their hands bound and kneeling face down in stress positions.

ABC News quotes Ben-Gvir telling guards around him “don’t be bothered by their screams,” and says the video prompted condemnation from multiple governments that summoned Israel’s ambassador.

ABC News

The Guardian reports that Ben-Gvir posted the footage with the caption “Welcome to Israel” in English, and it describes images of dozens of men and women kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their back.

CNN reports that a UN report from the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur details more than 50 incidents of torture or ill-treatment in Israeli jails, while Israeli Prison Service denied the allegations.

In the same CNN coverage, the UN allegations are framed alongside international reactions to Ben-Gvir’s flotilla video, including condemnation by the US envoy to Israel Mike Huckabee and statements from other allies.

Anadolu Ajansı says Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla of 50 boats carrying 428 activists from 44 countries while it was sailing toward Gaza in international waters and unlawfully detained the activists, including 78 Turkish participants.

Anadolu Ajansı reports that activists were first taken to Ashdod Port and then transferred overnight to Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert, and it describes detainees as being beaten and tortured after the transfer.

The Guardian says three activists were taken to hospital as a result of Israeli violence and were subsequently discharged, while dozens of others had suspected broken ribs resulting in breathing problems.

In a separate UN-focused report carried by شبكه مصدر الاخبارية, UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards urged Israel to review detention policies and practices in light of serious abuses, including torture and ill-treatment, solitary confinement, and conditions described as degrading and inhuman.

The UN expert’s report, as presented by شبكه مصدر الاخبارية, says the prohibition of torture is absolute under international law and cannot be justified under any circumstance, and it calls for independent and transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible.