International activists detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza have raised serious allegations of torture, rape and violations of fundamental rights during detention in Israel.
According to the organizers of the "Global Sumud Flotilla", some of the activists were hospitalized after their release, while at least 15 people have reported sexual assaults, including cases of rape.
A humanitarian flotilla of 50 ships carrying aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on Tuesday. At least 430 people were reportedly forcibly taken off the ships.
Organizers stated on Telegram that activists were shot with rubber bullets at close range and many of them suffered broken bones.
"While the world is witnessing the suffering of our participants, this is only a small part of the brutality that Palestinians experience every day," the organizers said in a statement.
Among those detained was Italian economist Luca Poggi, who told Reuters about moments of violence during his arrest.
"They stripped us, threw us to the ground and kicked us. Many of us were electrocuted, some were sexually assaulted and some were denied the right to a lawyer," he stated.
Meanwhile, Italian prosecutors have launched investigations into possible crimes, including kidnapping, torture and sexual assault against flotilla activists.