Revealed: Israeli Soldiers Sexually Assault Activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla
The brutality of Israeli soldiers against humanitarian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) came to light after they were freed and arrived in Turkey on Thursday (21/5/2026). In addition to physical torture like beatings and electric shocks, some international activists suffered sexual assault and even rape.
GSF documented at least 15 cases of sexual assault, with the worst occurring on an Israeli military landing craft turned into an emergency prison. There, activists were shoved into containers, beaten, and subjected to various forms of sexual violence, including anal rape and forced penetration with a pistol.
The German government stated that several of its citizens were injured and suffered serious mistreatment, without giving further details. Israel captured 422 GSF activists from 44 countries who had sailed from Marmaris, Turkey, on May 14, and then intercepted them in international waters near Cyprus, around 400 km from Gaza.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/05/