Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Italy opens preliminary investigation and international pressure mounts over treatment of detained aid activists.
Fresh controversy has erupted following Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound “Sumud Flotilla,” after released activists accused Israeli authorities of severe mistreatment during their detention, including physical abuse, rape and sexual violence.
Accusations include rape and sexual assault, were made by organizers of the international aid flotilla and several activists who were detained after Israeli forces intercepted dozens of vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza earlier this week.
Israeli prison authorities have rejected the accusations, describing them as “false and baseless,” while international officials have called for a full investigation into the claims.
Serious Accusation Emerge After Activists’ Release
According to organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, more than 430 activists were detained after Israeli forces stopped a convoy of approximately 50 boats in international waters on Tuesday. The group said testimonies collected from released participants describe harsh detention conditions, physical assaults, and multiple incidents of sexual abuse and rape.
In a statement, organizers alleged that at least 15 activists reported rape and sexual assaults. The group further claimed that some detainees were held aboard a converted military landing vessel that had been transformed into a temporary detention facility using shipping containers and barbed wire.
Accounts of Violence and Harsh Conditions
Several activists have publicly described what they say occurred during and after their detention.
Spanish activist Mei Hua Li alleged she was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun device while being held aboard one of the vessels used as a detention center. She claimed the shocks were applied to her chest, back, and thighs.
Italian activist Ilaria Mancuso said some detainees were confined inside shipping containers and subjected to severe beatings that allegedly resulted in broken ribs and arm injuries. She also claimed that detainees were deprived of sleep and basic necessities while being moved repeatedly between detention rooms.
Other activists reported spending days without access to adequate bedding or running water and alleged they were forced to kneel for extended periods after being transferred to facilities on land.
Italy Launches Inquiry
The allegations have now attracted the attention of European authorities.
A legal source in Italy said prosecutors in Rome have opened a preliminary investigation into potential crimes that could include kidnapping, torture, and rape. Investigators are expected to collect testimony from activists who recently returned to Italy.
Meanwhile, German officials confirmed that several German nationals who participated in the flotilla arrived with injuries and were undergoing medical examinations. A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry described some of the allegations as “serious” and said they required a full clarification of the facts.
French organizers assisting returning activists also reported that several participants required hospital treatment after arriving in Turkey, with some allegedly suffering broken ribs and spinal injuries.
International Scrutiny Intensifies
The controversy comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s handling of the flotilla operation.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the reports, with UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating that the organization was “deeply concerned” by the accusations. The situation intensified further after a video circulated online showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appearing to mock detained activists while they were kneeling inside a prison facility.
The footage prompted criticism from several Western governments and renewed calls for greater transparency regarding the treatment of detainees. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had been consulting with European Union counterparts regarding possible action against Ben-Gvir, including discussions about potential sanctions.
As investigations begin and competing narratives emerge, the accusations surrounding the detention of the Gaza aid activists are likely to remain under intense international scrutiny. No independent findings have yet been released, and the accusations remain disputed by Israeli authorities.
