From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 22, 2026
Israel denies it abused flotilla activists, 15 of whom claim sexual assaults
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The Israel Prison Service denies charges of abuse by activists trying to break the blockade on Gaza, saying all detained activists were held “in accordance to law, with full regard for their basic rights,” and received necessary medical care.
Activists released from Israeli custody after being detained on a flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza were subjected to abuse, organizers say, with several activists hospitalized with injuries and at least 15 reporting sexual assaults, including rape.
Reuters is unable to independently verify the allegations.
Germany says some of its nationals had been injured and that some accusations were “serious,” without giving further details. A legal source in Italy says prosecutors there were investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
Israeli forces arrested 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to halt a flotilla of volunteers trying to violate the blockade on Gaza.
The allegations of abuse will add to pressure on Israeli authorities to explain the treatment of the detainees, after a video of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir in a prison mocking some of the activists sparked an international outcry. Italy said EU members were discussing imposing sanctions on Ben Gvir.
The Times of Israel Community.