South African activists detained after attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza have alleged that they were beaten, tortured and electrocuted by Israeli forces. The group, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted in international waters, said they were denied water, given inedible food and prevented from using toilets for extended periods while in custody.

Former anti-apartheid campaigner Faizel Moosa described the detention as the worst treatment of his life, saying it surpassed abuses he experienced under South Africa's apartheid regime. Other activists from South Africa, Turkiye, Greece and the United States reported being assaulted, tasered, dragged, threatened with dogs and forced to sign documents under duress while held at K'tziot prison and after being taken to Ashdod port.

The activists claim they faced harsher treatment after authorities learned they were from South Africa, which has brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israel has denied all allegations of mistreatment, calling them false and without factual basis, while the conduct of Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during the detentions has drawn international criticism.