Global Sumud Flotilla activists face alleged abuse in Israel and Libya

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned recent reports of mistreatment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained at Ashdod port, saying "it is forbidden to abuse detainees, however despicable they may be". The Israel Defense Forces rebutted the accusations, stating that soldiers followed orders for respectful and appropriate treatment and that the activists were under the supervision of prison and police personnel.

In Libya, the Flotilla’s land convoy was reportedly attacked, with activists saying they were beaten, forcibly dragged into vehicles and forced to abandon the site. The Italian delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla attributes the violence to security forces linked to western Libyan authorities.

Italian prosecutors are investigating the chain of command in Israel, placing around ten senior officials – including National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir – on a list for possible crimes such as kidnapping, torture, sexual violence and robbery. The investigation follows video footage of Ben‑Gvir mocking tied activists at Ashdod and claims of excessive force in Spain, where Basque police faced criticism after clashes at Bilbao airport when activists returned from Israel.