Gaza flotilla activists set for deportation from Israel as backlash over treatment grows

The UK has summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires following international outrage over a video posted by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, showing him taunting detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla. The activists were intercepted attempting to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and are now being deported. Several European nations, including Italy and Poland, have condemned Ben-Gvir's actions and called for accountability, with Italy requesting EU sanctions and Poland seeking a travel ban. Britain's Foreign Office denounced the treatment as violating basic standards of respect and dignity. Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged Ben-Gvir's behavior was not in line with Israeli values and ordered the activists' deportation. Human rights groups and Israeli legal organizations are involved in the deportation process.

Israel has deported all foreign activists who were aboard a Gaza aid flotilla intercepted earlier this week. The deportations followed a global outcry over Israel's treatment of the approximately 430 detained activists. Israel's foreign ministry stated the deportations were to prevent breaches of the naval blockade on Gaza. The interception occurred in international waters, and the actions were condemned by numerous countries, including key allies, as violations of international law. Criticism intensified after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting detained activists, prompting several nations to summon Israeli ambassadors.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been condemned by France and Italy for a video showing him taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists. The activists, attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, were intercepted by Israeli forces, who accused them of breaching a naval blockade. Organizers claimed Israeli commandos used force, including ramming a vessel, while Israel stated no live ammunition was used. The activists were transferred to Israel against their will and detained, with their legal team challenging the detentions. Ben-Gvir's video showed him encouraging security personnel as they handled a female activist. The incident occurs amidst dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with the UN reporting ongoing restrictions on aid and essential services.

Israel is deporting hundreds of international activists who attempted to breach its naval blockade of Gaza. The activists were intercepted at sea and are being transported to an airport near Eilat for deportation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the swift deportation after rebuking National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for releasing videos showing him taunting detained activists. Several countries, including Britain, France, and Portugal, summoned Israeli envoys over concerns about the treatment of the activists and Ben-Gvir's actions. Turkey plans to send planes to retrieve its citizens who participated in the flotilla. Israel maintains the blockade to prevent Hamas from arming itself, while critics argue it amounts to collective punishment.

Israeli forces are boarding boats from the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters west of Cyprus, according to pro-Palestinian activists. The flotilla, comprising over 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza, claims the boarding is an illegal act of piracy approximately 250 nautical miles from the territory. Live broadcasts showed armed commandos boarding several vessels. Israel's foreign ministry previously described the flotilla as a provocation and mentioned involvement of "two violent Turkish groups." This incident follows a similar interception last month near Crete, where activists were detained and later released. Activists state their aim is to deliver essential aid to Gaza, where living conditions are described as dire.

Israeli forces have begun intercepting vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, according to organizers. The flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels, departed from Marmaris, Turkey, last week with the aim of challenging Israel's blockade of Gaza. Organizers stated that Israeli military personnel boarded several boats off the coast of Cyprus as the convoy attempted to reach the Palestinian enclave. Video footage shared by organizers shows Israeli forces approaching and boarding the vessels. One vessel, the Munki, reportedly came under attack and experienced harassment by Israeli military boats, with contact lost with it. Israeli media reported that activists were detained and being transferred to a navy ship for transport to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists detained in Israel after their flotilla was intercepted are being deported. This follows international backlash over their treatment, particularly a video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing him taunting activists. The UK summoned Israel's charge d'affaires to condemn Ben Gvir's conduct and express concern over detention conditions, demanding an explanation. The US, France, Italy, Canada, and Ireland have also condemned the treatment. Some activists, including an Italian politician and journalist, have arrived back in their home countries, with one reporting being beaten after arriving in Israel.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for posting a video taunting activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. This condemnation came a day after the US Treasury Department sanctioned organizers of the flotilla. Several European countries also summoned Israeli ambassadors over Ben-Gvir's video. Analysts noted this incident highlights a US double standard, as the US sanctioned flotilla organizers while criticizing Ben-Gvir's actions. The article suggests this reflects a broader US policy that has emboldened Israel's far-right. Previous US administrations have also imposed sanctions on Palestinian organizations and officials while refraining from sanctioning certain Israeli officials despite calls to do so.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has caused a diplomatic crisis by releasing footage of Israeli forces mistreating international activists detained while attempting to sail aid to Gaza. The video shows bound detainees being taunted by Ben-Gvir, drawing swift condemnation from leaders of the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, whose citizens were among the activists. The US ambassador called the behavior "despicable." Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Ben-Gvir's actions were not in line with Israeli values and ordered the activists' deportation. The incident highlights concerns about the treatment of detainees, with rights groups noting a pattern of abuse and impunity.

Israel is set to release two activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were detained after their Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces. The pair, a Spanish-Palestinian and a Brazilian national, were abducted by Israeli authorities in international waters off the coast of Greece. They will be handed over to immigration authorities and are expected to be deported to their home countries in the coming days. Their lawyer stated that their detention was a violation of international law and intended to punish them for challenging Israel's blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict and blockade.

Two activists, Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, remain detained by Israel after being abducted from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla in international waters near Greece. They were among 175 activists intercepted by Israeli forces on May 3, 2026, who were attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Abu Keshek, of Palestinian origin, is a long-time organizer of Palestinian solidarity movements in Europe. Both activists have been on a hunger strike since their detention. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels, departed from Europe on April 12 with the aim of delivering supplies to Gaza.

Two activists, Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Thiago Avila from Brazil, who were part of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla, appeared in an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Sunday. They were detained and allegedly abducted by Israeli authorities in international waters off Greece on Thursday. A rights group representing them stated that their detention has been extended by two days for further interrogation, with accusations including affiliation with a "terrorist organisation." Israeli authorities claim the activists are linked to a group operating at the behest of Hamas. Attorneys argued the proceedings are flawed and illegal, lacking a basis for extraterritorial application of offenses. Spain has condemned the detention of its national.

Two activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, a Spanish national named Saif Abu Keshek and a Brazilian national named Thiago Ávila, appeared in an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Sunday. They were among 175 activists intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early Thursday. The flotilla aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver supplies. Israel stated the two activists are affiliated with an organization sanctioned by the US for allegedly acting on behalf of Hamas. Spain has condemned the detention of Abu Keshek and rejected the accusations. The activists' defense group, Adalah, reported that both men claim to have been subjected to brutality and mistreatment during their seizure and detention. The court was asked to extend their detention by four days.

Two foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla were brought to Israel for interrogation after their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early Thursday. The flotilla, comprising over 50 ships from France, Spain, and Italy, aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver supplies. Israeli forces removed approximately 175 activists, with two subsequently taken to Israel for questioning. The activists appeared before an Israeli court on Sunday, as reported by their defending rights group.

Greek authorities are facilitating the return of all but two activists from a Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israel. The flotilla, comprising 58 vessels aiming to break the Gaza blockade, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces north-west of Crete on Thursday. Greek officials are transporting the released activists, of various nationalities, to Crete for temporary accommodation before their repatriation. The United States supported Israel's interception, deeming the flotilla a "meaningless political stunt." Israel stated its operation in international waters was peaceful, complied with international law, and aimed to prevent a blockade breach, also alleging the discovery of drugs and contraceptives and accusing organizers of collaborating with Hamas.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Israel's interception and detention of three journalists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. The detained journalists include Al Jazeera correspondent Hafed Mribah, Al Jazeera cameraman Mahmut Yavuz, and Zeteo journalist Alex Colston. RSF stated that Israel is responsible for their safety. Al Jazeera expressed deep concern for its journalists and called on the international community to act against Israel's alleged violations of international law. The flotilla, consisting of 58 vessels, was intercepted late Wednesday off the coast of Greece, with organizers reporting 211 people detained. Israel indicated detainees would be transported to Greece.

Israeli forces intercepted at least 22 boats from a pro-Palestinian flotilla aiming to break the Gaza blockade near Crete. Approximately 175 activists from over 20 vessels were detained and are being transported to Israel. The flotilla, comprising 58 boats from various European countries, set sail two weeks ago. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla condemned the interception as "piracy" and an unlawful seizure of civilians in international waters, while Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the effort as a "PR stunt." The incident occurred approximately 965 kilometers from Gaza.

Spain is demanding the immediate release of Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abukeshek, who was arrested during a raid on a flotilla heading to Gaza and taken to Israel for questioning. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the detention as "illegal" and a "kidnapping," asserting that the arrest occurred outside Israeli jurisdiction. Abukeshek was among activists detained by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Crete. Israel claims Abukeshek has ties to Hamas, a designation Spain disputes, stating no evidence has been presented. The raid, which involved drones and jamming technology, saw 175 activists detained and taken to Greece, with Abukeshek and another individual being the only ones transported to Israel.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly demanded the release of a Spanish national who was taken from a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla. The Spaniard was reportedly "abducted" from the vessel, though details regarding the exact circumstances and location of the seizure are not provided in the article. Sanchez's demand highlights Spain's involvement and concern over the incident. The Prime Minister's statement indicates a diplomatic effort to secure the individual's freedom. The article focuses on the Spanish government's official response to the event.

Israeli forces intercepted and detained crews from at least 22 boats belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete. The flotilla, comprising approximately 58 vessels from 70 countries, departed from Italy aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break Israel's maritime blockade. Organizers described the interception, occurring over 600 miles from Gaza, as an "abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean" and a "violent raid in international waters," alleging damage to vessels and jamming of communications. Israel's foreign ministry stated that the IDF took control of over 20 boats with about 175 activists, with the defense minister claiming the flotilla was organized by Hamas. Israel offered to allow aid delivery through recognized channels via the port of Ashdod.

The Israeli navy intercepted boats from the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters, detaining at least six Australian activists. The flotilla, which departed from Italy with over 50 boats, aimed to deliver aid and volunteers to Gaza, which is under Israeli naval blockade. Among the 14 Australian citizens onboard, only two remain in communication and are continuing towards Gaza. Families of the detained activists, including Newcastle's Zack Schofield, have expressed distress and criticized the Australian government's lack of intervention. CCTV footage reportedly shows Israeli Defense Forces boarding the vessels.