Australian says Gaza aid boat activists were beaten by Israeli navy
Australian activist Zack Schofield alleges that members of the Global Sumud Flotilla were beaten and subjected to violence by the Israeli navy after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. He claims crew members were shot with rubber bullets, physically assaulted, and detained under harsh conditions before being transferred to Greek authorities. Israel denies the allegations, stating that force was used only in response to violent resistance during the transfer process.
- ▪Zack Schofield, an Australian activist, says he and fellow crew members were beaten and shot with rubber bullets by Israeli sailors during the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla.
- ▪At least 10 to 12 crew members reportedly suffered concussions or broken ribs from point-blank rubber bullet impacts, and some were subjected to physical abuse including kicks and beatings.
- ▪Schofield claims the Israeli navy flooded the deck with seawater at night to disrupt sleep and that all crew possessions were either stolen or thrown overboard.
- ▪The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies any mistreatment, stating that force was used only against passengers who violently resisted transfer to Greek forces.
- ▪Greek Coast Guard vessels took custody of the activists after their interception by the Israeli Defense Forces in international waters.
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Australian activist Zack Schofield says crew of Gaza-bound aid flotilla was beaten by Israeli sailorsBy ABC correspondent Bridget Rollason in Jerusalem and Jenny LavelleTopic:War15m ago15 minutes agoSat 2 May 2026 at 9:10pmZack Schofield has told ABC News some of his crew members were beaten and shot point-blank with rubber bullets. (ABC News)In short:Zack Schofield was one of six Australians detained this past week by the Israeli navy after taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid to the territory.He alleges he and his crewmates endured a violent and distressing ordeal during their time in Israeli custody, and says he witnessed at least 10 of his fellow crew members being shot by rubber bullets at point-blank…
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