European activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla say they were subjected to systematic abuse, humiliation, and sexual assault after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels, according to testimony reported by Le Monde. The allegations have renewed scrutiny of Israel’s detention practices and intensified criticism of Western governments’ response to human rights violations.
Le Monde Reports Harrowing Testimonies
French newspaper Le Monde published a disturbing account based on interviews with activists who were detained after Israeli forces seized their ships. The paper said the activists described organized beatings, degrading treatment, and sexual abuse while in custody.
According to the report, the detainees were later deported and returned to their home countries, where some began speaking publicly about what they experienced.
Claims of Sexual Assault and Organized Abuse
One of the most serious allegations in the report comes from Italian activist Martina Comparlini, who said she and 12 others in the flotilla were sexually assaulted during detention.
Le Monde said such treatment had previously been documented mainly against Palestinian prisoners, but now appeared to have affected European citizens as well.
Other activists described masked soldiers using stun guns, fists, and kicks while mocking detainees and calling themselves “doctors.”
Reports of Broken Bones, Head Injuries, and Unknown Injections
Canadian writer and activist Ehab Lotayef said an Israeli soldier stabbed his hand with a knife after he was seen helping other detainees and giving people water.
Another activist, Pieter Rambaud, said that out of 180 people detained, 35 suffered fractures, 12 were sexually abused, 5 sustained concussions, 3 were injected with an unknown liquid, and 1 was wounded by a bullet.
A female activist also alleged that the soldiers “enjoyed” beating and sexually assaulting detainees.
Western Governments Accused of Double Standards
The report also highlighted anger among the activists toward European governments, which they accused of applying human-rights standards selectively.
One activist told Le Monde that governments look away when Palestinians are involved, but pay attention only when their own citizens are affected.
That criticism comes as European lawmakers reportedly call for sanctions and for the suspension of the EU’s agreement with Israel, citing the treatment of the detained activists.
Background: Interception in International Waters
The controversy follows the interception of the flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir later posted a video showing detained activists forced to kneel with their hands tied, sparking outrage inside and outside Israel.
French radio also reported that French activists who returned from the flotilla were greeted in Paris wearing gray Israeli prison clothing, with social media videos appearing to support their accounts of mistreatment.
Growing Pressure on Israel
The allegations have added to the mounting international backlash over Israel’s handling of the flotilla and its broader detention practices.
Rights groups and political figures are increasingly framing the incident as part of a wider pattern of abuse against activists and Palestinians in detention, and as another test of Europe’s willingness to confront Israel over alleged violations.
From: Borna
