Israeli Forces Detain Global Resilience Flotilla Activists, Allegations Include Electric Shocks and Sexual Violence

Activists from the Global Resilience flotilla, carrying 428 passengers and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, were intercepted by Israeli forces after leaving Turkey, with the last interception taking place on Tuesday and the group detained before being deported to Turkey.

CNN Arabic reported that Adalah, based in Israel and representing the flotilla activists, told CNN that its lawyers documented testimonies describing being attacked with electric shocks, rubber bullets, and severe beatings believed to have caused fractures.

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CNN Arabic said the flotilla issued a statement alleging sexual violence, including multiple rapes and forced penetration with a pistol, while the Israeli Prison Service told CNN that the allegations are false and unfounded and that it operates in accordance with the law.

CNN Arabic also quoted Miriam Azem, international advocacy coordinator at Adalah, saying, "in the ten years Adalah has represented flotilla activists, this is among the worst violence and assaults we have ever faced."

Agence Nova reported that the entry of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir into French territory was blocked after the publication of a video by activists of the Global Solidarity Flotilla who were detained by Israel.

Agence Nova quoted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on X saying, "Ben-Gvir's actions toward the passengers of the Global Solidarity Flotilla" are unacceptable, adding that the decision was taken in coordination with the Interior Ministry.

Al-Jazeera Net

Agence Nova said a 38-year-old French activist, Meriem Haj, told reporters she was forced "one after another" to enter a black container and was subjected to harassment, including a soldier touching her chest and slapping her on the head with "loud blows."

Agence Nova also reported that the Israeli prison administration, which AFP interviewed, described accusations of physical and psychological violence, sexual harassment, assault, and rape as 'false and without any real basis.'

Al-Jazeera Net reported that eight Arab and Muslim foreign ministers condemned the 'horrific, degrading, and unacceptable' actions carried out by Ben-Gvir against the activists of the Global Flotilla of Resilience bound for Gaza during its interception and arrest.

Al-Jazeera Net said the ministers affirmed that the deliberate public humiliation inflicted by Ben-Gvir on the detainees is a shameful assault on human dignity and a clear violation of Israel's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Al-Jazeera Net stated that the ministers called for holding Ben-Gvir to account and for concrete measures to end his provocations and incitement, while urging that detainees be treated humanely and with full respect for international law.

CNN Arabic added that Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Friday she had received information detailing "the horrific abuses" suffered by Canadians detained in Israel, and that Canada "strongly condemns" the egregious mistreatment of Canadians in Israel, adding that those responsible must be held accountable.