Flotilla Activists Beaten and Shot at by IDF, With 34 Hospitalised in Greece

Global Sumud Flotilla participants say they were punched, kicked, dragged across the floor with their hands tied, and shot at with real and rubber bullets on board an Israeli warship after they were kidnapped in international waters more than 500 nautical miles from Gaza. 

While interception was violent for many, participants say the worst treatment came when they peacefully resisted moves to abduct organisers Thiago Avila and Saif Abukeshek, who are still detained.

34 wounded participants – including two Brits – have been taken to hospital in Crete, flotilla organisers said, with broken bones and other injuries. One participant was reportedly knocked unconscious for several minutes, while another has serious injuries to their neck. Several have broken ribs and noses, and some appear to be wearing blood-stained clothes. 

Nearly 200 others are still being held on buses by Greek authorities, with the government accused of “cooperating fully” with Israel.

Avila and Abukeshek’s partners said on Friday that they fear for the activists’ safety. 

Avila, who is Brazilian, sailed to Israel in autumn 2025 and was detained for several days, receiving particularly harsh treatment in Ketziot prison. 

Abukeshek has Spanish and Swedish nationality but is of Palestinian descent. He was on board an observer boat and did not intend to go all the way to Gaza. He did not sail last time. 

Abukeshek, who lives in Spain, has three small children, his partner told journalists. Avila has a baby daughter. 

Greek politician Yanis Varoufakis slammed his government on X, saying it was working with Israel. “Meanwhile, the Greek government is cooperating fully in Israel’s criminal behaviour,” he wrote, “effectively surrendering its search and rescue obligations and conniving with Israel to victimise the brave crews of the Sumud Flotilla.”

During 40 hours on board the Israeli frigate, activists say they were denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on the floor, which was repeatedly and deliberately flooded.

60 participants are now on hunger strike in protest at their treatment. Flotilla organisers say the remaining boats – only 22 of 57 were intercepted – will continue to Gaza.