Israeli police on Wednesday forced activists aboard a Gaza flotilla to kneel in rows with hands bound behind their backs, as far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir looked on and taunted them. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, has drawn sharp condemnation from international leaders and sparked rare internal dissent within Israel’s own government.
The activists were detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters on Tuesday. Organized by the Free Gaza Movement, the flotilla departed from southern Turkey carrying 430 activists—including citizens of Italy and South Korea—in a renewed attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza. Organizers say the mission aims to break Israel’s naval blockade, which aid groups say continues to limit essential supplies despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since October 2025.
Ben-Gvir posted a video on X showing officers forcing a female activist to the ground after she chanted “Free, free Palestine.” The footage then reveals rows of kneeling activists with zip-tied hands. Ben-Gvir, carrying an Israeli flag, is heard saying: “They came as big heroes. Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything.” The video has since sparked widespread outrage.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rebuked Ben-Gvir on social media, writing: “You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people—from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to intercept the flotilla but stated that Ben-Gvir’s treatment of activists was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms” and ordered their swift deportation.
International reaction was swift and severe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the conduct “inadmissible,” noting that an Italian MP and journalist were among those detained. She said Italy expects an apology and will summon the Israeli ambassador. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung questioned the legal basis for the arrests, asking: “Is that Israeli land?” Turkey condemned the abuse, and France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands summoned top Israeli diplomats over the incident.
Organizers said the detained activists are being taken to prison before deportation, though Israel stated they will be allowed to meet consular representatives. The flotilla incident underscores persistent tensions over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the blockade’s legality under international law.
For more on Israel’s naval blockade, see Reuters’ analysis. The Free Gaza Movement’s past efforts are documented by Al Jazeera.
Source: ARY News