International outrage intensifies over Israel’s treatment of Gaza Flotilla activists

A video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has triggered sharp diplomatic backlash across Europe and beyond, with governments condemning the scenes as humiliating and contrary to international standards.

Italy acted swiftly on Wednesday, summoning Israel’s ambassador and demanding explanations, an apology, and the release of its citizens.

Italy summons Israeli ambassador over ‘unacceptable’ treatment of Gaza Flotilla activists

In the following hours, the criticism broadened significantly.

Strong EU institutional reaction

European Council President António Costa issued one of the firmest statements from EU leadership: “Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release.”

The European Commission described the treatment as “completely unacceptable,” stressing that all detainees must be treated with safety and dignity under international law.

In the video, Israeli police forced detained activists to kneel on the ground in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs in what appears to be an outdoor area at an Israeli port facility. In the background, armed soldiers can be seen patrolling from a military vessel. Ben-Gvir walks through the scene carrying a large Israeli flag and says: “They came as big heroes. Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything.” The video is captioned “Welcome to Israel.”

Broader wave of condemnations

EU member states: France, Spain, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania and several others summoned Israeli ambassadors or issued strong public rebukes. Many emphasised humane treatment, respect for international maritime law, and the protection of their nationals.
Canada: Prime Minister called “abominable” the treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla. The foreign Minister Anita Anand announced the summoning of Israel’s ambassador, calling the behavior “deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable.”

The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 20, 2026

Israeli reactions and political context

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly distanced his government from Ben-Gvir’s actions. While defending Israel’s right to intercept “provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters,” Netanyahu stated that “the way that Minister Ben-Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.” He instructed authorities to deport the activists “as soon as possible.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a sharper rebuke, accusing Ben-Gvir of harming the state and undoing the professional work of the IDF and Foreign Ministry.

Despite the internal criticism, Ben-Gvir remains a key member of the coalition. His far-right Otzma Yehudit party provides crucial parliamentary support to Netanyahu’s government; removing him would likely trigger the coalition’s collapse and early elections. Ben-Gvir has defended his actions and doubled down, continuing to label the activists as terror supporters.

Context of the incident

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists from over 40 countries (including many Europeans), was intercepted in international waters. Israeli forces detained roughly 400–430 participants. Many detainees are being processed for deportation, though reports of rough treatment and hunger strikes by at least 87 activists persist.

The episode further strains EU-Israel relations amid the ongoing Gaza crisis, even as many European governments continue to acknowledge Israel’s security concerns.

Caption: Screenshot from the video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.