Pro-Palestinian activists deported after their Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters are alleging abuse while in detention. Canada says it received information detailing "appalling abuse" of its citizens. Germany and Spain confirmed some of their citizens had injuries.
Flotilla organizers allege "at least 15 cases of sexual assaults." Activists say they were beaten, mistreated, and subjected to sexual violence. Israeli prison officials deny the allegations, calling them false, and say detainees were held lawfully.
More than 50 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week aiming to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli commandos boarded the vessels west of Cyprus on Monday and Tuesday. The 422 detainees from 41 countries were transferred to Israel and deported Thursday.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand condemned the "grave mistreatment" and called for accountability. A German foreign ministry spokesperson said some German activists were injured. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reported four of 44 Spanish activists received medical treatment.
Adalah, an Israel-based rights group, said at least three detainees were hospitalized and that lawyers received a "large number of complaints of extreme violence."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized a video released by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing activists forced to kneel, calling it "not in line with Israel's values."