Gaza Aid Flotilla Activists Allege Mistreatment After Return to Germany

(MENAFN) Two German activists who participated in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have accused Israeli forces of mistreatment and torture following their return to Germany, according to statements made at Hannover Airport.

Supporters greeted Nesrin Zeaiter and Uwe Sander upon arrival, chanting “free Palestine” as they recounted their experiences to reporters.

Zeaiter said that she was blindfolded immediately after detention and claimed her hands were restrained throughout the process. She further alleged that activists on the flotilla were subjected to torture.

Sander described a separate account, stating that their vessel—carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza—was intercepted in international waters. He said Israeli forces fired rubber bullets at the boat before boarding it, and that passengers were forcibly taken into custody. He further alleged that both he and other activists were beaten during detention.

According to reports from the Global Sumud Flotilla organization, the vessel carrying the activists was seized by Israeli naval forces during the interception, and several participants were detained.

Additional claims from affiliated groups allege that detainees were subjected to abuse and physical violence while in custody. Some accounts included allegations of severe mistreatment, though these have not been independently verified in full.

The German Foreign Ministry has acknowledged reports of injuries among German nationals and has called for clarification from Israeli authorities, describing the allegations as serious.

The Global Sumud Germany group has also demanded a full investigation into the incident, while indicating that some activists have already returned to Germany and others are expected to follow.

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