Flotilla Activists Allege Mistreatment By Israeli Forces During Detention

Activists detained after a flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza have alleged mistreatment by Israeli forces, including beatings, use of tasers and the deployment of attack dogs, according to accounts shared with international media after their deportation. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 50 boats, was intercepted in international waters approximately 250 miles (400 kilometres) off the coast of Israel. Activists, journalists and at least one Italian lawmaker were reportedly transferred onto military vessels and taken to a larger naval ship before being moved to Ashdod port in southern Israel, where they were held temporarily, according to their accounts.

Following their detention, the activists were deported, with around 420 individuals leaving for Turkey on Thursday. Many of them were seen wearing grey sweatsuits and traditional Arab kaffiyehs upon departure. Several later spoke to international media in cities including Istanbul and Athens, describing their treatment during and after the interception.

Among those speaking out was Turkish flotilla board member Zeynel Abidin Ozkan, who alleged that detainees were held in containers and subjected to physical assault. He claimed that some individuals were taken outside the containers and beaten, while others were forced into stressful and degrading conditions. He also alleged that detainees were denied access to legal counsel, embassy representatives and family members, and were pressured to sign documents under duress.

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Ozkan further described being handcuffed and restrained with iron shackles, stating that detainees were dragged and surrounded by dogs during transfer procedures. He said he refused to sign documents presented to him and described the treatment as coercive and abusive. His account has not been independently verified.

Another activist, Christopher Boren from Hawaii, also alleged physical assault upon arrival at Ashdod port. He claimed he was struck by multiple individuals shortly after disembarkation, resulting in visible facial injuries. He described being punched by officers wearing reinforced gloves, leading to swelling and a black eye, which he showed while speaking to reporters.

Israeli authorities have rejected the allegations, calling them “false and entirely without factual basis,” according to a spokesperson for the Israel Prison Service. The incident has drawn international attention, with several governments reportedly expressing concern and summoning Israeli envoys in response to the activists’ claims.

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