(VINnews) – Israel on Saturday dismissed allegations by pro-Palestinian activists detained after attempting to breach the Gaza blockade as “a blatant fabricated lie made up,” after members of the so-called Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israeli soldiers of beatings, torture, and inhumane treatment while held in detention facilities.

The activists, whose convoy of roughly 50 vessels was intercepted earlier this week in international waters while attempting to reach Gaza, returned home to countries including South Africa, Ireland, and Chile, where they described harsh prison conditions and accused Israel of abuse during interrogations.

Israeli officials strongly denied the accusations, calling the claims “false and entirely without factual basis.”

Among the most vocal critics was South African activist Faizel Moosa, who claimed detainees were denied water, edible food, and bathroom access, and were met with rubber bullets after protesting conditions.

Moosa, a former anti-apartheid activist, compared the experience to his detention during South Africa’s apartheid era, claiming the treatment by Israeli authorities was worse.

Irish activist Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, alleged detainees were stripped of clothing, denied blankets, and subjected to degrading treatment. She claimed some activists were struck with guns and forced to huddle together to avoid hypothermia.

Connolly also alleged that Israeli forces confiscated her medical supplies, preventing her from treating injured detainees.

Three Chilean activists who returned to Santiago also accused Israel of mistreatment and criticized the Chilean government for what they described as insufficient diplomatic efforts to secure their release.

Israel has maintained that the naval blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas and has repeatedly warned flotilla activists that attempts to breach the blockade would not be permitted.