What is the Gaza flotilla ‘monstrously’ abused by Israel?
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has become a lightning rod for international criticism after humiliating handcuffed activists Published 20 May, 2026 23:59 | Updated 21 May, 2026 05:13 © X / itamarbengvir Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters as it approached Gaza on May 18, preventing the vessels from reaching the enclave and detaining more than 400 activists from around 40 countries. The mission set out from Türkiye to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and draw attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Those detained included citizens of Italy, the UK, Canada, Türkiye, Greece, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Ireland, and New Zealand. The controversy escalated after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released videos showing detained activists zip-tied and kneeling with their foreheads to the ground while he walked among them, mocked them, and described them as supporters of terrorism.
What is the Gaza flotilla?
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest in a series of Gaza-bound maritime missions organized by pro-Palestinian activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade. Organizers say the missions aim to break what they describe as an unlawful siege, deliver symbolic humanitarian aid, and highlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Israel claims the blockade is needed to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and has described the flotilla missions as provocations and propaganda operations. Has this happened before? Israel has intercepted Gaza-bound convoys multiple times over the years. The most infamous case came in 2010, when armed Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, killing nine Turkish citizens and triggering a major diplomatic crisis with Ankara. Just last month, Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 boats and detained around 175 activists near Crete. International outrage The images triggered condemnation even from Israel’s allies and partners, with much of the criticism focused on Ben-Gvir personally. The US ambassador to Israel described his conduct as “despicable” and a “betrayal of Israel’s dignity.” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the treatment of the detainees “monstrous, inhuman and undignified.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called Israel’s treatment of the flotilla members “abominable.” Italy demanded the immediate release of its detained citizens, calling their treatment a violation of “human dignity.” Foreign ministers from France, Greece, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and South Korea also condemned the incident, with criticism also coming from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. Rights groups accused the Israeli authorities of mistreating detainees through violence, stress positions, psychological trauma, and denial of access to lawyers.
Israeli response
Israel has defended the interception, while some officials have rejected allegations of improper treatment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to distance himself from Ben-Gvir, describing his conduct toward the activists as “not consistent with the values and norms of the State of Israel.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Ben-Gvir has harmed Israel with his “disgraceful display.”
Ben-Gvir accused Sa’ar of submitting to “supporters of terrorism.” Israeli officials nevertheless continue to defend the interception, describing the flotilla as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas.”
