Activists Allege Abuse, Sexual Assault in Israeli Detention; International Pressure Mounts

KATHMANDU. International pressure is mounting, with allegations of mistreatment by Israeli security forces against activists on the 'Global Sea Flotilla' carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. As videos of the mistreatment of foreign nationals participating in the flotilla's relief supply mission have surfaced, various countries around the world have begun to react towards Israel.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called the incident 'horrific and unacceptable' and demanded an independent investigation. However, he has not announced any new sanctions or punitive measures against Israel.

According to a statement released by the Canadian government on Monday, Carney demanded an independent investigation into the mistreatment of flotilla participants during a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

In a video released last week on social media by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, activists heading to Gaza were seen being tied up, forced to kneel, and subjected to humiliating treatment. The release of this video has sparked global criticism.

The Canadian statement said, 'The horrific mistreatment of civilians on ships heading to Gaza, including Canadian citizens, is unacceptable.'

During the telephone conversation, Carney also protested the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. He also expressed concern about violent activities by Jewish settler groups.

Following this incident, some countries have begun to take diplomatic action against Israel. France has banned Ben-Gvir from entering its territory. France has called the treatment of European and French citizens on the flotilla 'unimaginable'.

Similarly, Poland has also initiated the process of imposing a five-year entry ban on Ben-Gvir. Leaders from France and other countries have urged the European Union to also impose sanctions against the Israeli minister.

Human rights organizations have been alleging torture and inhumane treatment in Israeli jails. Organizations like Amnesty International have accused Israel of implementing an apartheid policy against Palestinians.

'Global Sea Flotilla' is a campaign aimed at delivering aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing Israeli blockade and military actions. International reports indicate that over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023. The war has displaced thousands of people, and food shortages and malnutrition have become severe in Gaza.

Activists have been trying to deliver relief supplies to Gaza via the Mediterranean Sea. However, the Israeli army has repeatedly been accused of intercepting these ships in international waters.

The new campaign, launched on April 12, is said to involve around 70 boats and three thousand participants. According to Amnesty International, the Israeli army had arrested approximately 430 people after taking control of the ships.

Arrested activists have alleged mistreatment, beatings, and even sexual assault during their detention. At least 15 individuals have reported experiencing sexual abuse and attempted rape.

Israel, however, has claimed, without presenting any evidence, that these activists are inspired by Hamas. Ben-Gvir has labeled them 'supporters of terrorism'.

Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has also spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideion Saar, stating that evidence regarding the mistreatment of arrested Canadian citizens will be provided.

She warned that the failure to provide consular services to Canadian citizens in detention is a violation of the Vienna Convention and that such incidents should not be repeated in the future.