British Gaza flotilla activists say they needed hospital care after Israeli forces’ abuse
Two British activists, Alice Chapman and Zak Khan, reported being physically assaulted by Israeli forces after their Gaza aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters near Crete. They claimed they were beaten, denied water, and subjected to harsh conditions aboard an Israeli prison ship, with Khan suffering a potential jaw injury and a chest infection. Several detainees required hospitalization, and two foreign nationals remain detained in Israel, prompting diplomatic responses from Spain and Brazil.
- ▪Alice Chapman and Zak Khan were among 180 activists detained by the Israel Defense Forces in international waters near Crete.
- ▪Khan reported being shot with a rubber bullet, beaten by four soldiers, and later diagnosed with a chest infection from poor detention conditions.
- ▪Chapman stated that detainees were forced to sleep in shipping containers or outside, exposed to extreme temperatures and denied water.
- ▪Several flotilla members were placed in solitary confinement, and Khan alleged that one man was severely beaten for shouting 'free Palestine'.
- ▪Two flotilla members, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, remain in Israeli custody and have appeared in court in Ashkelon without being charged.
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1:35Israeli forces board humanitarian flotilla boats more than 600 miles from Gaza – videoGaza flotillaBritish Gaza flotilla activists say they needed hospital care after Israeli forces’ abuseAlice Chapman and Zak Khan say they were beaten, kicked and spat on after detention near Crete last weekKevin Rawlinson and Matty EdwardsMon 4 May 2026 12.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 12.14 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTwo British activists have said they were admitted to hospital after being beaten by Israeli forces who intercepted their Gaza aid flotilla last week.Alice Chapman and Zak Khan were among 180 members of the Global Sumud flotilla detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in international waters near Crete late on Wednesday.Khan, a Green party council election…
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