Members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who recently arrived in Istanbul, have reported being in extremely poor physical condition following their detention by Israeli authorities. According to international media reports, many activists showed visible signs of physical abuse upon arrival in Türkiye.
Reports state that several individuals had bruises on their bodies, while some were unable to walk and had to be moved in wheelchairs. Others were immediately taken to hospitals for medical treatment due to their condition after release.
An Australian filmmaker and flotilla activist, Juliet Lamont, claimed that multiple detainees suffered broken ribs. She also alleged incidents of sexual abuse involving women and said that detainees were injected with unknown substances during custody.
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Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani described the Israeli detention facility as a place of fear and intimidation. He stated that detainees were beaten immediately upon arrest and were given limited access to food and water during their detention.
Organizers further claimed that around 15 members experienced sexual violence and abuse, while others were allegedly targeted with rubber bullets and sustained serious injuries, including broken bones.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included more than 400 activists including Pakistan’s Saad Edhi, was reportedly intercepted and detained by Israeli forces. The detainees were later deported to Türkiye, where their condition has raised serious concern among rights groups and observers.