Dutch activists on Gaza Flotilla file sexual violence charges against Israeli soldiers

Seven Dutch activists of the Global Summud Flotilla who were intercepted by Israel en route to Gaza are going to file charges against Israeli soldiers with the Public Prosecution Service (OM). They accuse the soldiers of sexual violence, assault, humiliation, and torture, the organization reported, and the Amsterdam-based law firm Prakken D’Oliveira Human Rights Lawyers confirmed.

According to the Global Summit Flotilla, medical records, forensic reports, and X-rays show that Israeli soldiers inflicted “serious injuries, including broken ribs, nerve damage, and other physical trauma” on the activists in their custody.

“One of the participants was molested and has testified about it. He was forced to undress, grabbed by his genitals, and humiliated in other ways,” said Marieke Stam, spokesperson for the Flotilla activists. “Several other participants were also forced to undress, such as female participants who had to expose their upper bodies.”

According to Stam, activists from other countries also faced sexual violence, rape, and assault. “That context makes it heavier, because it was premeditated.”

The soldiers assaulted the activists after capturing them in international waters in May, the Flotilla said. The Global Summud Flotilla was en route to Gaza with food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid.

Upon their release, activists immediately said that the Israeli soldiers treated them horribly. Among other things, they were forced to kneel for hours while listening to the Israeli national anthem.

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage online showing soldiers’ rough treatment of the activists. The images drew much international criticism, including from the Netherlands.

The Dutch activists will file their charges in the coming weeks. “Now it is up to the Dutch rule of law to carefully investigate what happened and whether criminal prosecution is appropriate,” said Stam.