Three Australians involved in the Global Sumud flotilla have alleged they were mistreated after Israeli forces intercepted their aid vessel bound for Gaza. The activists, now on hunger strike on the Greek island of Crete, claim they were detained for two days on a transport ship converted into a prison before being released.

Zack Schofield said detainees were beaten with rifle butts, batons, fists and feet, and described seeing others shot with rubber bullets and assaulted inside shipping containers surrounded by barbed wire. He also alleged that flash-bang grenades were thrown at him and that detainees were forced into stress positions while being held in crowded conditions as sea water was pumped onto the deck.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the activists were taken off unharmed, contradicting the allegations. The group has demanded the release of flotilla leaders Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, who were taken to Israel for questioning. Australian consular officials are assisting those released in Crete, while supporters plan solidarity events in Australia.