Activist Samira Mehboobdeen Alleges Severe Torture Under Israeli Detention
28-May-2026.
Activist Samira Mehboobdeen, who recently returned to Sri Lanka after being detained by Israeli forces while participating in the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, alleged that activists aboard the humanitarian convoy were subjected to severe abuse, including threats at gunpoint, assaults and sexual harassment.
She stated that the suffering they experienced represented only a fraction of what Palestinians endure daily under Israeli actions in Gaza.
Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Palestinian Embassy in Colombo on May 26, Mehboobdeen recounted the events surrounding the flotilla, which had departed from Türkiye on 14 May carrying medical supplies and humanitarian aid intended for Gaza.
She said the vessels were intercepted by Israeli warships on 17 May while travelling in international waters, after which communication systems were completely cut off.
According to her, activists were forcibly transferred onto Israeli military vessels and subjected to various forms of abuse, including being forced to kneel.
She alleged that Israeli personnel attempted to remove her hijab and later ordered her to remove jewellery.
She further claimed that activists from several countries were severely assaulted, while injured detainees were denied medical treatment despite suffering serious injuries. She alleged that female detainees were assaulted physically and sexually.
Medical assistance, she said, had to be provided by volunteer doctors from Türkiye, Ireland and Spain together with herself using whatever limited supplies were available onboard.
Mehboobdeen stated that the detainees were later transferred to Ktzi’ot and Ashkelon prisons, where they faced further intimidation, including threats with guns and dogs.
She claimed that one activist had a gun pointed at his head while Israeli soldiers threatened to kill them.
According to her, although no Palestinian detainees were seen inside the prisons, Arabic writings, children’s English alphabet markings and drawings were visible on prison walls.
She said the experience convinced her that Palestinians endure such treatment continuously over many years.
Mehboobdeen also called on the Sri Lankan government to condemn Israel’s actions in detaining activists travelling in international waters, while expressing appreciation for the diplomatic interventions undertaken to secure their release.
