Belgian Gaza Flotilla Crew: Safety Depended on Passport
Belgian crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the humanitarian aid convoy violently intercepted by Israeli naval forces in mid-May, have come forward with harrowing testimonies describing physical violence, sexual assault, and a stark realization that their safety depended entirely on their nationality. The accounts, published by De Morgen on June 8, 2026, add to a growing body of evidence that has triggered international diplomatic fallout and a French war crimes investigation.
The Interception
Around May 18–19, Israeli naval forces intercepted approximately 50 to 70 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea, roughly 250 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. The convoy was carrying food, medicine, and medical supplies intended for Gaza. Over 400 activists from approximately 70 countries were detained, including at least seven Belgians, six Dutch, and more than 30 French nationals.
Detainees were transported to the Israeli port of Ashdod and subsequently held at the Ktzi’ot detention facility in the Negev desert. According to Trouw, which published a detailed investigation on May 23, activists reported being subjected to rubber bullets fired at close range, taser shocks, beatings, and sexual violence — including at least 12 reported cases of sexual assault, one involving anal rape with a firearm.
The Passport Hierarchy
A central and deeply unsettling theme emerging from the Belgian testimonies is the realization that detainees’ treatment depended on their nationality. “Plots is er het besef dat je leven louter nog afhangt van dat paspoort in je broekzak” — “Suddenly there is the realization that your life depends solely on that passport in your pocket,” one Belgian crew member told De Morgen.
Belgian activists observed that European passport holders were treated markedly differently from others, creating a hierarchy of safety based on citizenship. Alexis Deswaef, a Belgian participant, told VRT NWS that detainees “were considered terrorists.” Another participant, speaking to De Standaard upon arrival in Brussels, said: “At least I don’t have broken ribs, but others do. It’s terrible that we have to do this, but otherwise nobody pays attention.”
Torture Ships and Medical Evidence
Dutch activist Pieter Rambags described being held on one of three “prison ships” used by the Israeli navy. “I was on one of the three prison ships. It was the most gruesome ship. All 180 people on board were mistreated upon entry,” he told Trouw. Turkish activist Mecid Bagcivan reported that an Israeli soldier shot a rubber bullet into his leg from approximately 40 centimeters away, leaving a wound 2 to 2.5 centimeters deep.
Detainees were eventually transported to Turkey via charter flights arranged by the Turkish government. Over 350 activists underwent forensic medical examinations in Istanbul, with Turkish prosecutors documenting injuries consistent with the testimonies.
Ben-Gvir’s Involvement
The incident sparked international outrage when Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Ktzi’ot detention facility and posted videos on social media showing bound and kneeling activists with the caption “Welcome to Israel.” The NOS reported that the footage showed activists being dragged across the floor and humiliated.
International Fallout
The diplomatic response has been swift and severe. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot summoned the Israeli ambassador. France banned Ben-Gvir from its territory, and both France and Italy called for EU sanctions against the far-right minister. On June 5, the French Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office opened a war crimes investigation into possible torture committed against French nationals, as reported by Le Monde.
Israeli Denial
The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Prison Service have denied all allegations of abuse, calling them “completely unfounded” and stating that procedures for respectful treatment were followed. However, the consistency of testimonies from activists across multiple nationalities, supported by forensic medical evidence from Turkish authorities, has lent significant credibility to the accounts.
Broader Context
The flotilla incident must be understood within the broader context of Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, and the devastating Gaza war that began on October 7, 2023. A fragile ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025, but violations by both sides have been frequent. The Global Sumud Flotilla movement, meaning “Global Steadfastness” in Arabic, has organized maritime convoys to challenge the blockade since 2008, with the deadliest incident occurring in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, killing 10 Turkish activists.
What’s Next
The French war crimes investigation could lead to international arrest warrants or further legal action against Israeli officials. The EU faces a critical test of its unity on Israel policy as member states debate sanctions against Ben-Gvir. For the Belgian crew members who testified, the immediate priority is recovery — but their accounts have ensured that the world is watching.