The accusations emerged after hundreds of participants from the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived in Türkiye and other European countries following their deportation from Israel. The flotilla, comprising around 50 vessels, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Israel’s coast while attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

According to accounts provided by activists and journalists, detainees were transferred from their vessels to military boats and then taken to the southern Israeli port of Ashdod, where they were allegedly held in shipping containers and subjected to physical abuse.

Several detainees told media outlets they were punched, kicked, dragged, restrained for extended periods and denied access to lawyers or consular representatives. Some also alleged that tasers and attack dogs were used during the detention process.

Among those making allegations was Turkish activist Zeynel Abidin Ozkan, who said detainees were forced to keep their heads lowered while handcuffed and were subjected to rough treatment after refusing to sign documents presented by authorities.

American activist Christopher Boren said he suffered facial injuries after being struck shortly after arriving at Ashdod port, while Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani described being blindfolded, restrained and physically handled during transfers between vessels and detention facilities.

Greek activist Yiannis Atmatzidis also alleged he was beaten and subjected to a taser discharge during processing procedures.

The claims have drawn international attention, particularly after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appeared in a widely circulated video involving detained flotilla participants.

The footage prompted criticism from several foreign governments, some of which reportedly summoned Israeli diplomats to discuss concerns over the treatment of detainees.

Israeli authorities have rejected the allegations. Israeli Prison Service spokesperson Zivan Freidin described the accusations as “false and entirely without factual basis.”

The flotilla’s organizers said the mission was intended to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza and challenge restrictions imposed under Israel’s blockade. Israeli authorities maintain that maritime restrictions are part of security measures aimed at preventing weapons and military supplies from reaching militant groups operating in the territory.

The competing accounts are likely to intensify international scrutiny of Israel’s handling of foreign activists and humanitarian missions linked to Gaza, while adding to broader diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

The strike targeted a government building in the southern city of Nabatieh, part of a broader Israeli aerial campaign across multiple areasvin southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said it carried out 31 attacks in response, including strikes on northern Israel and Israeli ground forces operating inside Lebanese territory.

The group also claimed responsibility for an attack on a naval base in the Israeli port city of Ashdod, approximately 145 km from the Lebanese border, signaling an expansion in the range of hostilities.The escalation comes ahead of talks scheduled to begin Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to be mediated by U.S. officials.

The office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the discussions were agreed upon following contacts between Israeli, Lebanese and U.S. diplomats, reiterating Beirut’s position that negotiations should take place under a ceasefire.

However, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter described the upcoming meeting as “formal peace negotiations” and said a ceasefire would not be part of the agenda, highlighting a divergence in positions.A Lebanese government official familiar with the matter said a halt in hostilities remained a key condition for Beirut’s participation, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The latest round of fighting began after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel on March 2 in support of Iran, prompting Israel to initiate an expanded air campaign and ground operations in southern Lebanon.Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 1,953 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the escalation began.

On Wednesday alone, about 100 strikes across the country including densely populated areas of Beirut killed at least 303 people, marking the deadliest day in the current conflict.Concerns have also grown over the safety of medical facilities. The World Health Organization has called for the protection of Rafik Hariri University Hospital after Israeli evacuation warnings covered surrounding areas, including the Jnah neighborhood.

Health officials said they had received assurances the hospital would not be targeted, though staff remain at risk amid ongoing strikes.Emergency responders continue to search for victims trapped under rubble in Beirut and other affected areas as hostilities persist.