Israeli forces detained about 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to block a flotilla of volunteers attempting to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip. Detainees, including at least two Korean activists, were reportedly treated with violence and dehumanization, according to multiple sources.

Allegations of Abuse and Sexual Assault

The Global Sumud Flotilla. The organizers of the aid shipment. Said it had documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse, with the worst incidents occurring on a vessel converted into a makeshift prison, but Detainees were reportedly thrown into containers and beaten over the head and ribs; some described being stripped, thrown to the ground, and kicked.

According to Al Jazeera. Germany said some of its nationals who were on board the flotilla had been injured and that some accusations were ‘serious,’ without giving further details. A legal source in Italy added that prosecutors there were investigating possible crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.

Video Evidence and Political Reactions

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing him taunting foreign activists at an Israeli landing craft, which had been converted into a makeshift prison in Ashdod. The video showed detainees cable-tied and kneeling while Israel’s national anthem played, drawing international criticism and putting pressure on the Israeli government to explain the treatment of the activists.

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the reports, citing both activists’ accounts and the Israeli minister’s video. He urged the release of those still held and called for accountability for those responsible for the alleged mistreatment.

Accounts from Released Activists

Activists who were later released described being treated ‘like animals,’ with some saying they were beaten in groups and even shocked with tasers, according to KBS News. Others reported being forced to kneel after being detained, having their hair grabbed, and being dragged away by Israeli soldiers. One Norwegian activist, Richard Andersen, said they had been ‘beaten, tortured, and systematically dehumanized.’

Korea JoongAng Daily reported that South Korean President Lee made strong remarks during a Cabinet meeting criticizing the Israeli military’s seizure of a Gaza-bound aid vessel carrying Korean activists. Two Korean activists were detained by the Israeli navy in international waters on May 18 and May 20 while attempting to reach Gaza aboard separate aid ships.

Concerns were raised about the practical limits of international law, particularly regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) reliance on cooperation from its 124 member states. Most countries have avoided publicly clarifying whether they would enforce an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, partly due to diplomatic considerations involving Israel.