Tel aviv: Several activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were subjected to physical violence in Israeli detention, an Israeli legal center said Thursday. Israeli naval forces attacked a 9-boat convoy by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) heading to Gaza to break Israel's illegal blockade on Wednesday and detained around 150 activists aboard.

According to Anadolu Agency, 'some flotilla participants reported physical abuse, humiliation, and inhuman treatment during and after the interception, including being kicked, slapped, having their hair pulled, or being grabbed aggressively by soldiers,' Adalah Legal Center stated. The legal center highlighted that some detainees were forced into stressful positions for prolonged periods, with reports of verbal humiliation and coercion to make degrading declarations.

Adalah reported that its attorneys attended over 50 tribunal hearings for flotilla activists at Ktzi'ot Prison in the Negev. The legal center continues to receive reports of aggressive conduct and inadequate detention conditions, including lack of access to drinking water and further instances of abuse. Notably, over 20 activists have been denied access to legal counsel, according to Adalah's statement.

Adalah also represented three participants with Israeli citizenship, including dual nationals, before the Magistrate's Court in Ashkelon. This incident is part of a broader context of Israeli actions against Gaza-bound aid ships, with Israel maintaining a blockade on Gaza for nearly 18 years. The blockade has significantly worsened humanitarian conditions in Gaza, especially after increased restrictions in March.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 67,000 Palestinians in the enclave, predominantly women and children, rendering Gaza uninhabitable. A ceasefire agreement was announced on Thursday, aiming to end two years of Israeli bombardment on the region.