Gaza flotilla activists allege abuse by Israeli forces while detained

According to a BBC Middle East report published on 23 May, 422 activists who were aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla and intercepted in international waters between 16 and 19 May have alleged that they were subjected to abuse in Israeli detention facilities before their deportation and arrival in Türkiye. The BBC verified testimony from 47 activists, with allegations including prolonged forced standing, restricted water access and delays of 18 to 26 hours before access to legal counsel.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat said in a written response to the BBC that 'all detention procedures were conducted in accordance with international standards' and rejected the allegations. The Türkiye Ministry of Justice announced that statements from Turkish activists will be added to a file Türkiye is preparing for the International Court of Justice. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk renewed his call for an independent inquiry, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said formal complaints received from EU member states are being collated in Brussels.

Activists including Greta Thunberg and French politician Rima Hassan held a press conference in Istanbul. Amnesty International director Agnès Callamard said 'testimonies must be transmitted to international monitoring mechanisms'. The Israeli President's Judge Advocate General office head Major-General Yair Wallach confirmed that an internal administrative inquiry has been opened. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the situation of four US-citizen activists is being followed up through consular channels.