South African Gaza flotilla activists allege they were shocked with electricity in Israeli detention

South African activists detained after their boats were intercepted while attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza allege they were beaten and tortured during detention. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising about 50 vessels, was intercepted Monday in international waters roughly 250 miles off Israel as it sought to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The detainees say they were held for several days at the Ktziot prison, where some say they were shocked with electricity during interrogation. The activists described harsh conditions, including limited water and uncomfortable housing, while they were in custody.

Israel has denied the accusations, saying they are false and without factual basis, and there was no immediate response to the new claims on Saturday. The detainees who spoke to reporters described water deprivation, poor food, denial of toilets for long periods, and some said they were subjected to gunpoint intimidation and rubber bullets during protests.

Returning home on Saturday, many activists traveled from Turkey to South Africa, where they were greeted by supporters as they arrived. The group included South Africans along with Irish and Chilean participants who had also been detained, reflecting a broader international chapter in the Gaza aid effort.