Tue Oct 07 18:41:25 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Activist Claims Abuse, “Psychological Torture” Following Israeli Interception of Gaza-Bound Flotilla**

**Negev Desert, Israel -** David Adler, a U.S. citizen and activist on the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, has made serious allegations of abuse and “psychological torture” while in Israeli custody. Following the interception of the flotilla in international waters last week, Adler claims he and other activists were subjected to harsh treatment at a prison complex in the Negev desert.

According to Adler, the activists were “kidnapped, stripped, zip-tied, blindfolded and sent to an internment camp” without access to basic necessities or legal support. He described a “five-day nightmare” involving systematic violations of their rights, including nighttime raids by riot troops with attack dogs intended to terrorize detainees.

Adler, who is co-general coordinator at Progressive International, stated that he and another Jewish activist were singled out and forced to pose for a photograph with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a move he described as a humiliating “photo-op.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprised of over 40 boats and 470 individuals from across the globe, aimed to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, a move condemned by human rights advocates as illegal.

Adler criticized the lack of support from U.S. officials, alleging that the U.S. general consul dismissed their plight. He also cited disparaging remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who labeled him a “self-absorbed tool of Hamas,” echoing unsubstantiated Israeli claims that the flotilla was Hamas-funded.

While acknowledging his experience pales in comparison to the daily hardships faced by Palestinians, Adler asserted that the mistreatment of the activists highlights Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law. He emphasized the ongoing plight of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, citing reports of systemic torture and human rights abuses.

Al Jazeera has reached out to the Israeli government’s Press Office and the U.S. Department of State for comment, but have not received response by the time of publication.

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