THERE has been local outrage at the treatment a Newquay activist has reportedly received at the hands of Israeli forces after being “illegally abducted.”

Katy Davidson, aged 49, was among 428 other members of the Global Sumud Flotilla taking humanitarian aid to Gaza when the boats were reportedly “attacked” in international waters south-west of Cyprus on Monday, May 18, at 8am.

Video released by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed a large group of the volunteers being forced to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs as Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and taunted them.

Israel-based human rights and legal support agency Adalah, which has spoken to some of the detainees, reported that they have been subject to “systemic violations of due process, and widespread physical and psychological abuse by Israeli authorities”.

Lawyers representing the detainees reported “widespread injuries”, three requiring hospital treatment and “dozens” with suspected broken ribs, and the use of tasers and rubber bullets.

Katy, who is known in Cornwall as “the Oyster Lady” thanks to her seafood expertise, joined the flotilla when it set sail from Sicily on April 26.

She was one of 14 UK citizens taken to Israel on Monday.

The first time the flotilla was attacked by Israeli forces was on April 30 near the Greek island of Crete, when activists – at least 31 of whom were injured in the attack – were forced at gunpoint onto an Israeli vessel.

Katy described how they were held in a “floating prison”, crammed into shipping containers surrounded by razor wire, where “violent, aggressive and manipulative” guards “treated us like animals”. They were then left in Crete.

Katy and other volunteers nevertheless decided to resume their voyage.

As the flotilla set off, Katy explained: "It's a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza – just normal people trying to help those in need, under threat from the same entities that are starting wars around the world. We’re just decent people wanting to help and genuinely make the world a better place."

Israeli officials have since said that all detained activists have now been released from prison and are enroute for deportation.

Katy’s mother, Lynn Davidson, said: “We’ve been unable to contact Katy and have been appalled by reports of how she and others from the flotilla have been treated.

“These are people who have put themselves on the line because of the failure of their governments to address the horrific situation faced by the people of Gaza, who are powerless in the face of genocidal war crimes and occupation. The blatantly illegal abduction of the flotilla volunteers and the cruelty they’ve suffered at the hands of the Israeli authorities highlight once again that Israel is a rogue state with complete contempt for international law.

“We’re grateful to Adalah, the legal team in Ashdod, who have been exemplary, professional and compassionate, and to the Turkish government, which has been very supportive in this awful situation.”

Tom Scott, co-coordinator of Cornwall Green Party, of which Katy is a member, said: “Katy represents the very best of us, and very few would be brave enough to do what she and her companions on the flotilla have done. We are hoping to hear confirmation of their release soon.

“It seems that, in this case, concerted international pressure has worked. But this underlines the need for governments to take much firmer action against a state that has been committing horrific crimes against the Palestinians of Gaza and the West Bank for years, with almost complete impunity.

“Words alone are not enough. We need to see strong sanctions against Israel, including a complete end to all arms sales.”

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned Ben-Gvir’s video showing the treatment of the detainees, with Netanyahu stating the behaviour was “not in line with Israel's values”.

The Israeli authorities haven’t responded further to the other accusations made, but previously described the flotilla as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas”.