Terrifying Testimony from Gaza Flotilla Activists on Israel's Treatment

Israel’s government has confirmed it deported all foreign activists detained from the Gaza flotilla bound for Gaza. The move comes amid a wave of global protests over the treatment of detainees, amplified by a video posted by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that shows the activists with hands bound and foreheads touching the ground, with him making taunting remarks. More than 430 activists from various countries were detained after their ships were intercepted in international waters last Monday. The incident is the latest effort to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territories. The video prompted sharp reactions from several European countries. The UK formally summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires to issue a strong rebuke. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir. ‘This action is unacceptable, seizing ships in international waters, and subjecting detainees to humiliating treatment that breaches basic human rights,’ Tajani said on Thursday (21 May 2026). Poland even called for a ban on Ben-Gvir entering its territory. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded a formal apology for what she described as Israel’s total disregard for its concerns about Italian citizens’ safety. Alessandro Mantovani, an Italian journalist detained with the group, gave a chilling account upon arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino airport, saying he was taken to Ben Gurion Airport with hands shackled and feet in chains. ‘They beat us. They kicked, hit us, and shouted, ’Welcome to Israel’,’ Mantovani recalled of the security forces’ treatment. The British Foreign Office said it was deeply concerned about conditions of detention. ‘This conduct breaches basic standards of respect and human dignity. We have sought explanations from Israeli authorities,’ a Foreign Office spokesperson said. The backlash also triggered domestic tensions within the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while defending the interception of the flotilla, publicly criticised Ben-Gvir, saying the minister’s conduct did not align with Israel’s values and norms and ordered swift deportations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned Ben-Gvir on X: ‘You have harmed Israel in this embarrassing display. No, you are not the face of Israel,’ he wrote. Even the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who is typically a staunch ally, issued rare criticism, saying Ben-Gvir had betrayed Israel’s dignity. Although most activists were deported through civilian airports near Eilat, the NGO Adalah reported that one participant, Zohar Regev, an Israeli citizen, remains on trial in Ashkelon accused of illegal entry. (The Guardian/I-2). National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has faced international condemnation and strong rebukes from Netanyahu after releasing the insulting video of Gaza flotilla activists. Iran’s parliament has reportedly considered launching a US$58 million incentive to target Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in retaliation for Ali Khamenei’s death. Netanyahu has revisited the possibility of a new war with Iran in two security cabinet meetings following talks with US President Donald Trump. The Arab Emirates rejected Israel’s claims of a secret visit by Netanyahu during the Iran-Israel war, calling the report groundless. Netanyahu disclosed a secret visit to the UAE during the Iran-Israel war, with the meeting said to have strengthened strategic ties between the two countries. Copyright @ 2026 Media Group - mediaindonesia. All Rights Reserved