"Beaten While Stripped"... Israeli Detainees Allege Sexual Violence

Flotilla Reports "At Least 15 Cases of Sexual Assault"
Israel Denies Allegations, Says "All Managed According to Law"

Controversy is spreading in the international community as activists from the Gaza aid flotilla, who were detained and then deported by Israeli authorities, allege that they were subjected to sexual violence.

Yonhap News Agency

According to Reuters and other sources on May 22 (local time), the Gaza aid flotilla, "Global Sumud," announced via Telegram that "at least 15 cases of sexual violence have occurred."

The flotilla representatives stated, "Dozens of people suffered fractures after being hit by rubber bullets at close range," adding, "While the world is paying attention to the suffering of the participants, this is only a small part of the daily brutal acts that Israel inflicts on Palestinian detainees."

Luca Pozzi, an Italian economist who participated in the flotilla, said, "I was thrown to the ground with my clothes stripped off and was kicked," adding, "Many people were tasered, some were sexually assaulted, and access to legal counsel was restricted."

Previously, on May 20, the Israeli military seized the aid flotilla headed for Gaza. The controversy intensified after a video was released of Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking the detained activists. Several countries summoned the Israeli ambassadors stationed in their nations to lodge protests, and as the controversy grew, Israeli authorities deported all 430 foreign activists.

The Italian prosecution has launched an investigation not only into allegations of abduction by the Israeli military but also into accusations of torture and sexual violence. European countries such as Germany and France are also assessing the situation of their own nationals and demanding explanations from Israel.

Prosecutors plan to record statements from activists who have returned to their home countries. Sabrina Charique, who is supporting the return of 37 French nationals, said that some participants have provided detailed testimony regarding sexual violence. The German Foreign Ministry also emphasized, "Since some of the allegations raised are of an extremely serious nature, a thorough explanation is required."

On the other hand, the Israeli Prison Service has completely denied all related allegations. A spokesperson for the Israeli Prison Service stated in an official announcement, "The allegations made are unfounded," asserting, "All detainees are treated with respect for their basic rights and are managed under the supervision of correctional personnel who have received professional training." The spokesperson added, "Medical care was also provided according to Ministry of Health guidelines and medical staff judgment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.