Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla report systemic abuse, including sexual violence and bone fractures, while being detained by Israeli forces after their humanitarian mission to Gaza was intercepted.
The “Torture Boat” Allegations
Activists who arrived in Turkey after being released from Israeli custody have described harrowing conditions, including the use of stun grenades, tasers, and rubber bullets at close range. They claim to have been forced into uncomfortable positions for extended periods and subjected to gender-based violence, including the forced removal of hijabs and sexual assault.
Participants identified an Israeli warship, dubbed the “torture boat,” as the site of at least 12 instances of sexual assault, including anal rape. Activist Veronica Otero stated that detainees suffered widespread maltreatment, reporting a total of 36 bone fractures among the group, including broken ribs.
Yassine Benjelloun, another flotilla participant, recounted being thrown into a dark container immediately after his arrest. He described being beaten in the head and ribs by security forces while hearing the screams of other detainees in the dark.
Diplomatic Fallout and Medical Reports
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that four Spanish nationals required medical attention following their deportation from Israel. Global Sumud Flotilla leadership stated that at least two of these individuals were hospitalized upon arriving in Turkey due to injuries sustained during the Israeli intervention.
Portugal’s Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, confirmed the return of two Portuguese citizens and condemned the “inhumane” treatment they received. In response, Lisbon summoned the Israeli ambassador to lodge a formal protest. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has advocated for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel agreement in light of these events.
EU Discussions on Sanctions
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has accepted a proposal from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss potential sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This follows a viral video posted by Ben-Gvir showing him mocking detained activists while waving an Israeli flag.
The Italian government formally requested that the Foreign Affairs Council address these sanctions during their June 15 meeting. The proposal has received support from several other EU member states as international criticism of the treatment of the flotilla members intensifies.