Israel Deports Gaza Flotilla Activists After Minister's Video Draws Condemnation

Israel deported all foreign activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on Thursday after intercepting their vessels in international waters. The activists were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the naval blockade. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that all foreign participants had been removed from the country.

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing officers forcing activists to the ground and dozens kneeling with hands zip-tied behind their backs. The footage drew condemnation from several governments. Officials in Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and other countries summoned Israeli diplomats to protest the treatment.

Britain's foreign ministry said the video violated basic standards of respect and dignity. Poland's foreign minister called for Ben-Gvir to be banned from entering the country. Italy's foreign affairs minister asked the EU to consider sanctions on Ben-Gvir over the seizure and alleged harassment.

>"All foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel. Two Italian activists separately alleged they were physically assaulted upon arrival in detention. One described being kicked in the legs and punched in the face inside a container.

The Israel Prisons Service rejected the allegations, stating that all detainees were held in accordance with the law and received medical care under health ministry guidelines. The foreign ministry said non-lethal means were used as a warning during the interception and no protesters were injured.

The flotilla departed from southern Turkey last week carrying a token amount of aid. Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessels on Wednesday about 250 nautical miles from Gaza. Organizers said the action aimed to highlight shortages of humanitarian assistance despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Ben-Gvir's conduct was not in line with Israel's values and norms. Turkey's foreign minister said the country was conducting special flights to return Turkish citizens and third-country participants. Past flotillas attempting to reach Gaza have also been intercepted and participants deported.