PARIS: Cracked bones, humiliation, sexual assault: Pro-Palestinian activists recounted the abuse they say they suffered from Israeli authorities for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month, which has sparked multiple investigations and international outcry.
France, Italy and Australia have launched probes into the allegations of abuse — which Israeli authorities deny — after more than 430 activists from around the world were detained during the latest attempt by an aid flotilla to break the blockade of the war-battered Gaza Strip.
French nationals Meriem Hadjal, Noe Tissot and Malika Baouya were on the boat Peluxo carrying school supplies, infant formula and medicines when Israeli speedboats intercepted them in international waters.
The activists said they were taken from the boat and violently herded together at sea onto what some called the “torture prison ship.”
“I was dragged by the arm and lifted up with my hands tied behind my back. I screamed in pain, I thought my arm had been torn off,” said nurse Baouya.
