Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel to be deported to Turkey after being taunted by Israeli minister
Israel is deporting about 430 activists after a video of handcuffed detainees kneeling prompted rebukes from Netanyahu and foreign governments.
- On Thursday, Israeli authorities deported approximately 430 foreign activists to Turkey after releasing them from southern Israeli prison facilities following their interception at sea.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked widespread condemnation on May 20, 2026, by posting video footage showing detained activists handcuffed and kneeling while he taunted them.
- Detained activists reported physical abuse including kicks and punches, though Israeli authorities denied the allegations as false, according to Adalah, an Israeli legal rights group.
- France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and Britain summoned Israeli diplomats over the treatment of activists, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot describing the images as 'unacceptable.'
- The incident highlights tensions surrounding Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, maintained since 2007, as European leaders consider potential policy responses to the maritime enforcement.
240 Articles
240 Articles
Flotilla activists describe beatings, tasers and mistreatment by Israe
Activists detained when their flotilla attempted to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza say they have been mistreated at the hands of Israeli soldiers, describing beatings, tasers and attack dogs. The Global Sumud Flotilla of 50 boats was intercepted in international waters some 250 miles (400 kilometers) off the coast of Israel, and activists along with journalists and at least one lawmaker from Italy were transferred onto military boats and…
Israel deports Gaza flotilla activists amid global outrage over treatment
Israel deported hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists after global outcry over detention conditions and a video posted by Itamar Ben-Gvir. Several governments summoned Israeli envoys and demanded explanations.
Israel on Thursday deported all 430 foreign activists from a flotilla that the Israeli navy intercepted while trying to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The incident sparked a backlash after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir released a video of the detained activists. Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the incident. The video, which quickly went viral, shows the activists being forced to kneel with their hands tied. The video ha…
Shocking testimonies: Sumud flotilla activists reveal torture violations
Three Turkish Airlines planes landed at Istanbul International Airport on Thursday carrying 422 activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, following their release by the Israeli authorities and their deportation through Ramon Airport, after being detained following the interception of the flotilla ships in international waters.
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