Polish activists allege abuse after detention by Israel during Gaza aid flotilla

Several Polish activists detained by Israel after taking part in a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have returned home alleging abuse and mistreatment by Israeli forces, as Warsaw imposed an entry ban on an Israeli government official.

Image:

Global Sumud Flotilla Vectorization: Mrmw, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels carrying hundreds of activists from multiple countries as well as humanitarian supplies for Gaza, was intercepted last week by Israeli naval forces in international waters about 250 nautical miles off Israel's coast.

After returning to Poland, some activists accused Israeli soldiers of using violence during their detention, including beatings, stun guns and attack dogs.

Poland demands apology after Israeli minister mocks detained Gaza flotilla activists.
https://t.co/AMwfPIHo4S

— Radio Poland (@thenews_PL) May 21, 2026

"On the prison ship where I was being held, we were shot at with plastic bullets," activist Łukasz Kozak told reporters after arriving back in Poland.

"We were beaten, humiliated and kept in extremely cramped conditions, wearing only a single layer of clothing, inside shipping containers like those used to transport cargo," he said.

(mo/gs)

Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek.