What is the Gaza flotilla ‘monstrously’ abused by Israel?

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.

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.