Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid boat and detains over 430 activists; abuse allegations denied

Israeli forces intercepted the boat Peluxo in international waters on or before June 24, 2026, while it carried school supplies, infant formula and medicines toward Gaza. More than 430 activists from around the world were detained during the operation. French nationals Meriem Hadjal, 38, Noe Tissot, 32, and Malika Baouya, a nurse, were among those aboard.

Baouya said she was dragged by the arm with her hands tied behind her back and later saw an activist beaten before three men grabbed her. One soldier lifted her by the hair while another tried to rip off her underwear, she stated. Hadjal described a soldier groping her breasts, slapping her repeatedly and pushing her toward the back of a container.

She said she feared the soldiers would kill her. Tissot stated that security personnel insulted the group, made animal noises and hit them with rifle butts near the port. Activists reported being confined for several days on the ship's deck inside containers topped with barbed wire.

They slept on freezing metal and wood floors without adequate water, hygiene or food while seawater seeped in, according to Al-Monitor. Some said soldiers aimed stun grenades and rubber bullets at them. After being taken ashore, the activists were held at Ktziot prison.

Baouya said she suffered a cervical spine fracture. Hadjal said her foot was injured. Tissot said a soldier punched him in the head and ribs, cracking one rib. German activist Johannes Happel, 29, stated his head was slammed against a tent pole.

Australian activist Violet Coco said soldiers laughed while hitting her in the head and kicking her repeatedly, injuring her hand as she tried to protect herself. Neve O'Connor said she was thrown onto a concrete floor and heard the Israeli national anthem played repeatedly at high volume. France, Italy and Australia have launched probes into the allegations.