Seoul: Three South Korean activists detained during a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza this month alleged severe sexual and physical abuse by Israeli soldiers, as reported by local media. South Korean nationals Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon, alongside Korean American Jonathan Victor Lee, shared their harrowing experiences at a news briefing shortly after their return home last week, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, the activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of international activists intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Kim Ah-hyun recounted that men were tortured with tasers, while women faced sexual harassment and assault. She vividly described the ordeal, highlighting the mockery and orders from soldiers, accompanied by the distressing screams of fellow travelers being beaten.

Kim further mentioned that one sailor was shot in the thigh and denied treatment, while detainees were crammed in a container, many suffering from broken bones without receiving medical attention. Kim Dong-hyeon echoed these sentiments, detailing the brutal detention conditions where he heard ongoing torture and sexual abuse. He revealed that the three were repeatedly beaten for several minutes and endured constant bleeding from being restrained with cable ties.

Jonathan Victor Lee corroborated their accounts, describing how many detainees were forced to witness assaults and suffered severe injuries from flashbangs and beanbag rounds. Lee sustained a broken rib due to beatings and electric shocks from soldiers.

Kim Ah-hyun, who had previously been detained by Israeli forces in October while attempting to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza, had her passport revoked by the South Korean government. She is set to meet with lawyers and Foreign Ministry officials next week in preparation for applying for a new passport.