Freedom Flotilla Coalition alleges sexual assaults in Israeli detention, urges international investigation

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has condemned what it describes as “grotesque” acts of sexual assault committed by Israeli police and prison officials against participants in its recent mission challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

In a statement issued on 2 January 2026, the coalition said the assaults occurred after Israeli forces intercepted flotilla vessels in international waters and detained hundreds of civilians.

The FFC characterised the alleged conduct as grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and demanded immediate, independent, and credible investigations into those responsible.

The coalition said the allegations relate to the detention of participants following what it described as an unlawful military attack on flotilla ships attempting to reach Gaza.

Journalists and activists publicly recount alleged abuse

On 21 December 2025, German journalist Anna Liedtke publicly disclosed at an international conference that she had been raped while in Israeli custody.

According to her testimony, the assault occurred after she resisted a forced strip search conducted by female officers while detained.

Ms Liedtke had been aboard the flotilla vessel Conscience, which was carrying journalists and medical personnel during the mission.

The FFC said it had been working closely with Ms Liedtke since her disclosure, emphasising that public statements were made according to her wishes and timing.

The coalition stated that Ms Liedtke was not the only participant to report sexual violence during detention.

Italian journalist Vincenzo Fullone, also aboard the Conscience, alleged that he was subjected to repeated sexual violations amounting to rape while detained by Israeli authorities.

Australian activist Surya McEwen has made similar allegations, describing sexual assault while being held by Israeli officers.

The FFC said it anticipated that further testimonies may emerge as additional survivors feel able to come forward.

Coalition links claims to wider pattern in Israeli detention

In its statement, the coalition stressed that it would prioritise survivor agency and avoid pressuring individuals to speak publicly before they are ready.

The FFC placed the alleged assaults within what it described as a broader, entrenched system of violence by Israeli soldiers, police, and prison guards.

It said sexual violence, including rape, humiliating strip searches, and sexual torture, has been repeatedly documented against Palestinians held in Israeli custody.

According to the coalition, Israeli, Palestinian, and international human rights organisations have reported such abuses over many years.

The statement cited investigations by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which describe what it says is the systematic use of sexual torture against Palestinian detainees.

These allegations include rape, forced stripping, filming of abuse, and sexual assault involving objects and animals, according to the organisation’s findings.

The FFC said such practices have intensified amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Testimonies cited by the coalition include accounts from detainees alleging prolonged sexual assault while blindfolded, restrained, and filmed by Israeli soldiers.

The coalition also referred to reports involving male detainees subjected to sexual abuse and humiliation during detention.

The FFC said these acts were not isolated incidents but part of a wider pattern of treatment constituting torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment under international law.

Human rights groups and UN bodies cited

United Nations bodies have previously reported widespread sexual and gender-based violence in detention settings involving Israeli security forces, according to the statement.

Amnesty International has described torture and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees as war crimes, the coalition said.

The FFC also criticised what it described as limited coverage by mainstream media of alleged sexual abuse in Israeli detention facilities.

It argued that a lack of sustained reporting contributes to public misunderstanding and enables impunity.

According to the coalition, accountability mechanisms within Israel are ineffective, with investigations described as perfunctory and prosecutions rare.

The statement said oversight institutions routinely shield perpetrators rather than protect victims.

The FFC linked the issue to broader political and legal structures underpinning Israel’s blockade of Gaza, occupation policies, and detention practices.

It said these systems could not be relied upon to investigate themselves or hold perpetrators accountable.

The coalition said it would pursue accountability through international legal mechanisms, human rights reporting, and coordinated advocacy with partner organisations.

It called on the United Nations and its member states to demand access to detention facilities and establish an independent international inquiry.

The FFC also urged the International Criminal Court to investigate allegations of sexual violence and torture in Israeli detention.

Media organisations and civil society were called upon to increase scrutiny and break what the coalition described as silence around these abuses.

The statement included testimonies from Ms Liedtke, Mr Fullone, and Ms McEwen, each describing sexual abuse during detention and rejecting feelings of shame.

Previous cases and deaths in custody highlighted

In August 2024, a leaked surveillance video showing Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp surfaced online, drawing widespread condemnation.

The footage appeared to show Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp.

Medical reports later described injuries consistent with the insertion of an object, and the detainee was hospitalised.

The Israeli military has stated that it operates under the rule of law and that allegations of abuse are investigated.

Human rights organisation Physicians for Human Rights Israel has reported that at least 94 Palestinian detainees died in Israeli custody between 7 October 2023 and 31 August 2025.

The organisation alleged a pattern of physical violence, medical neglect, and systematic cover-ups, based on official records and testimonies.