The organization Insan for Rights and Freedoms expresses its deep condemnation and strong denunciation of the grave violations committed against the activists of the “Freedom Flotilla” after their ships were intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces.

According to credible testimonies and sources, some activists were subjected to hearings without being granted their right to legal counsel. Moreover, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed into a meeting between lawyers and detainees in an act of provocation and humiliation.

Sources also documented that several activists were forced to kneel with their hands tied for periods exceeding five hours, a cruel and degrading treatment that amounts to torture.

In addition, around 450 international activists were arrested and placed in Israeli prisons, while 42 ships belonging to the Freedom Flotilla were seized.

These practices constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, and represent a blatant infringement of the rights to human dignity, liberty, and personal security. Furthermore, the interception of the flotilla in international waters is an unlawful act that contravenes the rules of international maritime law.

Accordingly, Insan declares the following:

Strongly condemns all Israeli violations against the Freedom Flotilla activists, considering them crimes that require legal accountability.

Calls on the United Nations and the international community to urgently intervene to ensure the protection of the activists and their immediate, unconditional release.

Urges human rights organizations and civil society bodies worldwide to intensify their efforts to document these violations and submit them to the relevant international mechanisms.

Affirms that labeling civilian solidarity activists as “terrorists” merely for attempting to deliver humanitarian aid constitutes hate speech and incitement that threaten international peace and security.

Insan for Rights and Freedoms stresses that these actions amount to a serious assault on humanitarian work and international solidarity, and underscores the urgent need to put an end to these violations and hold those responsible accountable before international justice.