Harrowing abuse alleged by Gaza flotilla activists, says rights group

Two foreign activists detained after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces have alleged severe physical abuse, according to Palestinian rights group Adalah.

Lawyers from Adalah met the activists — Brazilian Thiago Avila and Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek — at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon on Saturday, where they described treatment “amounting to torture.”

In a statement, as reported by Al Jazeera, the group said the men recounted being subjected to physical violence and held in stress positions for prolonged periods during their detention at sea.

Lubna Tuma of Adalah said the activists were separated, detained and subjected to “a series of violent acts,” including beatings, blindfolding and being forced to lie face down.

“During our meeting, they testified to the extensive violence they endured,” Tuma said. “We are speaking about a level of violence that, under international law, is classified as torture.”

Avila alleged “extreme brutality,” including being dragged face-down and beaten until he lost consciousness twice. The group said he had visible bruises on his face and was later held in isolation while blindfolded.

Abu Keshek also reported being handcuffed, blindfolded and forced to lie face-down from the time of his capture until arrival in Israel.

Both activists have begun a hunger strike, though they continue to drink water, Adalah said.

The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising more than 50 vessels that set sail from France, Spain and Italy on April 12 to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

They were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on Thursday. All other activists were released, while Avila and Abu Keshek remain in custody.

Gaza, home to about 2.3 million people, has been under an Israeli land, sea and air blockade since 2005. Restrictions have tightened further since October 7, 2023, amid the ongoing war.

Adalah condemned the alleged treatment as a violation of international law, describing the testimonies as “harrowing,” and said it views the flotilla as a humanitarian mission aimed at challenging the blockade and delivering aid.