Video: Flotilla activists allege abuse after release from Israeli custody

Groups of activists were deported from Israel to their home countries via Turkey after Israeli forces intercepted the boats of the flotilla and kidnapped the activists on board.

Upon their return, groups reported abuse in Israeli prisons, including beatings and sexual violence.

“We used our bodyweight to stop people from dying of hypothermia,” said Dr Margaret Connolly, an activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla and sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

“We used our bodyweight to stop people from dying of hypothermia,” said Dr Margaret Connolly, an activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla and sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, upon returning to Ireland from Israeli captivity with other activists pic.twitter.com/zJkHag8BeC

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) May 23, 2026