Global Sumud Flotilla Activists Describe Forced Sun Exposure During Israeli Abduction

Nine Indonesian citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission have returned to Indonesia after being abducted by Israel while sailing towards Gaza. Hundreds of volunteers carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians were subjected to torture by Israeli forces.

Heru Rahendro, an iNews journalist, was among the victims of Israeli military violence. He recounted being forced to lie in the sun for two to five hours during the day.

Heru stated the torture occurred before the Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers were taken to Israeli immigration authorities. “We were forced to lie face down. Suspected Israeli songs were played repeatedly for two hours,” he said at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Israeli military would shout loudly whenever volunteers were found moving from the face-down position during the sun exposure. He said the treatment was extremely exhausting.

“Volunteers sustained injuries to their backs and heads. I myself have injuries on my back because I was also stepped on,” he added.

Sexual violence was also inflicted on the Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers. According to Heru’s testimony, Israel stripped activists and took photos of them. “I don’t know why,” he said.

Andre Prasetyo, a TV Tempo journalist who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to break the Gaza blockade, also experienced similar treatment. He said he went on a hunger strike for three days.

“I only ate and drank a little before being transferred to Ashdod,” Andre said at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

The torture was not limited to restricted food and drink. Andre recounted that while detained by Israel, Global Sumud Flotilla activists faced various forms of physical abuse. “My European friend was shot with rubber bullets. We were woken up by explosion sounds,” he said.

Andre’s hands showed bruises. He said the wounds were from cable ties forcibly bound around the volunteers’ hands.

However, Andre stated his suffering paled in comparison to what Palestinians have endured. “Do not forget to continue supporting Palestinian independence. I urge the government to persist with diplomatic efforts,” he said.