Post by : Rameen Ariff

Los Angeles-born journalist Noa Avishag Schnall has accused Israeli guards of extreme violence and mistreatment following her detention while covering the Gaza aid flotilla. Schnall, who works as a photojournalist for Drop Site News, shared her account of the harsh treatment on social media, describing beatings, threats, and other forms of abuse during her capture.

Schnall was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. She said that the flotilla’s vessel, Conscience Freedom, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters early Wednesday morning. Schnall, appearing with a black eye and visible bruises, described the situation as “extreme brutality from the very start.”

According to Schnall, she and other activists were handcuffed, beaten, blindfolded, and denied basic necessities such as water and medical aid. “All of us were forced into stress positions, and some were targeted for extreme abuse throughout detention,” she said. The journalist further mentioned that detainees were subjected to strip searches, and some reported that guards physically assaulted them, even laughing at their pain.

Schnall detailed her own experience, saying that she was hung by metal shackles on her wrists and ankles and beaten on multiple parts of her body, including her stomach, back, face, ears, and skull. She added that a guard even sat on her neck and face, blocking her airways. She highlighted that anyone who angered the guards faced tightened handcuffs, beatings, and other forms of physical abuse.

The journalist also shared that women in detention were threatened with pepper spray, while male activists were exposed to attack dogs and guns. During the nights, guards issued threats of sexual violence, creating an environment of fear and intimidation. Many detainees preferred to remain anonymous while recounting these incidents due to safety concerns.

Other activists deported from Israel after their arrest have reported similar treatment, describing harsh and degrading conditions, including being treated “like monkeys.” Schnall’s report underscores growing concerns about the safety and rights of journalists and humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones, particularly in the context of Gaza.

Her account has sparked discussions about the treatment of aid workers and journalists in Israel and Gaza, highlighting the need for international attention to ensure the protection of individuals involved in humanitarian missions.

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