Rights group says Gaza aid flotilla activists faced abuse in Israeli custody

Adalah said at least three activists were hospitalized with serious injuries, while dozens of others were suspected of suffering broken ribs and breathing difficulties linked to alleged violence during detention.

The group said its legal team gathered matching testimonies alleging repeated use of electric shocks against detainees.

According to the accounts, detainees were also forced into painful positions during transfer to Port of Ashdod, including walking while bent forward and kneeling for extended periods.

Claims of humiliation during detention

Adalah also said Israeli authorities forcibly removed headscarves from several female activists aboard the flotilla.

Earlier, the organization accused Israeli authorities of pursuing what it described as a “criminal policy of abuse and humiliation” after footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir showed detainees kneeling with their hands restrained while the Israeli national anthem played.

The organization said information concerning the legal status, location and wellbeing of detainees has been severely restricted.

Flotilla intercepted en route to Gaza

The Global Sumud flotilla departed from Marmaris in Türkiye last week as part of an effort to challenge the blockade on Gaza that has been in place since 2007.

According to the report, the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters and transferred to Ashdod ahead of deportation procedures.