Gaza flotilla activists allege physical and sexual abuse in Israeli custody

Activists detained by Israeli forces after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza aboard a flotilla have alleged that they were subjected to physical and sexual abuse while in custody, according to organisers of the mission.

According to the group, some of the most serious incidents occurred aboard an Israeli landing craft converted into a temporary detention facility using shipping containers and barbed wire.

The organisation said in a statement that detainees were beaten and subjected to "humiliating strip searches, sexual taunting, groping and pulling of genitals, and multiple accounts of rape."

"At least 12 sexual assaults have been documented on that vessel alone,” the statement added.  

Reuters reported on Friday that Israeli forces detained 430 people aboard 50 ships in international waters during an operation to stop the aid convoy from reaching Gaza.

Spanish activist Mi Hoa Lee said she was beaten and shocked with a taser inside a darkened container.