Video: Flotilla volunteer details torture after seizure in international waters
Belgian sailor and Global Sumud Flotilla volunteer Arno Meyns says he suffered fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after Israeli forces illegally seized a Gaza-bound aid vessel in international waters and kidnapped those on board.
Meyns described being transferred to a makeshift prison ship where detainees were stripped of most of their clothing, deprived of basic necessities and subjected to systematic violence and humiliation.
He said passengers were kept disoriented, forced to keep their heads down, constantly abused, and denied any understanding of where they were being taken.
Meyns said the violence escalated once he was taken into a container aboard the prison ship. He said guards repeatedly kicked him for an extended period, continuing until he could barely breathe.
The assault left him with fractured ribs and a collapsed lung, injuries from which he is still recovering.
He described conditions aboard the ship as degrading and punitive, with detainees denied pain medication despite injuries and forced to endure flooded floors and poor sanitation.
Meyns also alleged that guards deliberately stepped on detainees in an apparent attempt to break bones and appeared intent on causing further harm.
Belgian sailor and Global Sumud Flotilla volunteer Arno Meyns says he suffered fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after Israeli forces illegally seized a Gaza-bound aid vessel in international waters and kidnapped those on board.
Meyns described being transferred to a makeshift… pic.twitter.com/RXLeE17B7r
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) May 30, 2026