Israel's Inhumane Treatment of Flotilla Activists Draws Widespread Condemnation
Israel again faces international condemnation. This time the alleged inhumane treatment of hundreds of activists arrested has drawn wide attention. Israeli forces reportedly detained hundreds of Global Sumud Flotilla activists bound for Gaza, intercepting their ships and bringing them to an Israeli port.
That treatment was highlighted in a post by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. According to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the activists were seen kneeling with their foreheads on the floor and their hands bound.
Ben-Gvir’s post carried the caption ‘Welcome to Israel’. The Israeli national anthem was played as the activists were subjected to the treatment. One video shows an activist holding their passports in their hands.
Global condemnation followed the posting. Several countries said they had summoned the Israeli ambassador to convey their outrage at Israel’s treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists who were detained.
World Condemnation
Italy, France, the Netherlands and Canada have summoned the Israeli ambassador to express their outrage at the treatment of the passengers of the Gaza flotilla aid ships who were detained.
“It is unacceptable that images from Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian nationals, were treated in a way that violates their human dignity,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on X.
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, described Ben Gvir’s actions as “utterly unacceptable and incompatible with the fundamental values of the German state.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Paris. “Ben Gvir’s actions toward the Freedom Flotilla passengers have even drawn condemnation from within his own government. This cannot be accepted,” Barrot wrote on X.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen will also summon the Israeli ambassador to discuss the treatment of the Gaza flotilla aid activists who were detained, described as “unacceptable”.
British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said she was “deeply shocked” by the video. “We have asked for an explanation from Israeli authorities and stressed their obligation to protect the rights of our nationals and all those involved,” Cooper said.
Turkish Foreign Ministry said Ben Gvir “again openly shows the violent and barbaric mindset of the Netanyahu administration.”
Canada will also summon the Israeli ambassador to lodge a protest, said Foreign Minister Anita Anand. “What we are seeing, including the video shared by Ben Gvir, is deeply worrying and truly unacceptable,” she told reporters.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned Ben Gvir’s actions, calling them “shameful.” “Ben Gvir has betrayed the dignity of his country,” Huckabee wrote on X.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Readiness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib also condemned the treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists. She stressed that, “no one should be punished for standing up for humanity.”
“Watch this video. They are not criminals who have been judged; they are activists attempting to bring bread to the starving,” Lahbib wrote on X.
Hamas also condemned the footage, calling it evidence of “moral decay” among Israeli leaders. Hamas, which launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, is designated a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and several other countries.
Netanyahu criticises minister’s actions
The inhumane treatment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained in Israel has drawn world attention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the treatment of Flotilla activists by one of his cabinet ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
According to AFP, Thursday (21 May 2026), Netanyahu criticised the steps taken by Ben Gvir against the activists. He said it did not align with Israel’s values and norms.
“The way Minister Ben Gvir has treated the Flotilla activists is not in line with the values and norms of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Netanyahu said authorities were deporting the activists from various countries. “I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs (activists) as quickly as possible,” he said.
It is understood that all Flotilla volunteers have been deported from Israel and have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey.