Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Maira Butt

Activists on Gaza flotilla accuse Israel of rape and violent attacks

  • Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, have accused the military of sexual assault, violence, and rape during their detention.
  • Israeli forces arrested 430 individuals on 50 ships in international waters, with activists reporting at least 15 sexual assaults and over 30 broken bones, and some requiring hospitalisation for injuries.
  • Detainees, including an Italian economist, described being stripped, kicked, tasered, and sexually assaulted, with some French participants reportedly suffering broken ribs and fractured vertebrae.
  • Israel has vehemently denied all allegations, stating that prisoners are held in accordance with the law, with full respect for their rights and access to medical care, and that the claims are "false and entirely without factual basis".
  • The incident, which saw far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mock detainees, has drawn international condemnation, with activists now planning a legal case against Israel for alleged war crimes and violations of international law.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.