Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael SecurityActivists detained after Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla alleged beatings, sexual assault and other mistreatment; Israel's prison service denied the claimsShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeAustralian members of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, arrive at Sydney International Airport, Sydney, Australia, May 25, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jeremy Piper Australian members of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, arrive at Sydney International Airport, Sydney, Australia, May 25, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jeremy Piper Australian activists detained by Israel after taking part in a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza returned home this week, with organizers alleging abuse, sexual assault and beatings that reportedly left some detainees hospitalized.Israel's prison service denied the allegations, which Reuters could not independently verify.Eleven Australians were among the 430 volunteers aboard 50 boats intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week as they attempted to reach the Gaza Strip with aid supplies. Participants in the flotilla came from 40 countries.One activist arrived in Melbourne on Sunday evening, while others returned to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on Monday.Juliet Lamont, an Australian activist and documentary filmmaker, told Reuters she was dragged, sexually assaulted and beaten after being detained.Juliet Lamont, an Australian member of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, receives a hug as she arrives at Sydney International Airport, Sydney, Australia, May 25, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jeremy Piper Juliet Lamont, an Australian member of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, receives a hug as she arrives at Sydney International Airport, Sydney, Australia, May 25, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jeremy Piper "That was just the beginning of four days of absolute hell," Lamont said. "I've looked into the eyes of the most soulless people in the universe, and nothing came back. These people need to be stopped."Another Australian activist, Sam Woripa Watson, said he suffered a fractured rib as well as bruises and cuts across his body. Watson also said he witnessed activists being tasered and shot with rubber bullets, while stun grenades were thrown at them.Global Sumud Flotilla, the organizers of the aid convoy, said it documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse. The group said the most severe incidents occurred aboard an Israeli landing craft that had been converted into a makeshift prison using barbed wire and shipping containers.The statement came after Israel's prison service issued a blanket denial of allegations of mistreatment, rape and sexual assault.The allegations have added to growing international pressure on Israel following the publication of a video by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in which he taunted activists who were restrained on the ground, drawing widespread condemnation.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the footage as "shocking and unacceptable." Australia imposed travel bans and financial sanctions on Ben-Gvir last year over accusations he incited violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.In the NewsIsrael Kills Five in Gaza in 24 Hours, Wounds Eight Others, Medics SayThe IDF Is, Once Again, Overriding Soldier Safety to Appease the ultra-OrthodoxTrump: U.S. Will Either Have 'Great and Meaningful' Iran Deal or None at AllGulf States Prepared to Give Iran a Safety Net That May Save Trump From HimselfThe Jewish Occult Comes Out of the ShadowRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIBen-Gvir Posts Video of Police Dragging Detained Gaza Flotilla ActivistsThe Most Consequential Republican Primary for Israel Is Happening in KentuckyUnmoved by Trump's Ticking Clock, Iran Forms a New Reality in the Persian Gulf`'It Was Okay to Be Crazy': IDF Soldiers Discuss Moral Decay in LebanonWorld Leaders Summon Israeli Envoys Over Ben-Gvir Gaza Flotilla Activists VideoOn Israel, Gaza and Palestine, Bigmouth Tucker Carlson Spoke Nothing but Truth