The treatment of activists who were apprehended during the Israeli navy’s operation against boats belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla is provoking reactions.
This has also led to conflict within the Israeli government, writes the Times of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is among those reacting to the treatment of the activists.
Approximately 50 boats have in recent days been on their way from Turkey to the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. Previous actions had shown that the boats contained more condoms and narcotics than humanitarian aid.
The flotilla attempted to break through the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. The organiser was the Global Sumud Flotilla. On Monday the boats were stopped by Israeli forces, most of them outside Cyprus.
On Wednesday, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing activists kneeling on a metal floor in an outdoor and unsheltered area, with their hands bound behind their backs and surrounded by armed Israeli police. Ben-Gvir witnesses the incident, smiling while waving an Israeli flag.
In the video we can hear a woman praying and shouting, while Ben-Gvir says: “Do not mind their screams, this is how we receive supporters of terrorism. Welcome to Israel!”
Sharp criticism
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted a message on X in which he accuses Gvir of deliberately harming Israel’s reputation through “disgraceful conduct”, and writes that it is not the first time.
You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time.
You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.
No, you are not the face of… https://t.co/KOj6fhpyM7
— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 20, 2026
Prime Minister Netanyahu is also critical, and says the contents of the video Gvir posted are not in accordance with Israel’s values.
It is no surprise that the terrorist group Hamas has also condemned the video. Italy has summoned Israel’s ambassador for talks. Many of the participants in the convoy are from Italy.
Calls it a PR stunt
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called the protest action “nothing other than a PR stunt in the service of Hamas”.
Global Sumud Flotilla says the aim of the convoy was to “establish a humanitarian corridor and break Israel’s unlawful siege of Gaza”. The organisation says videos from Ashdod port, published by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, show Israeli prison guards and soldiers beating and humiliating the activists.
– The international community must take immediate steps to protect the convoy participants from this brutal and unlawful behaviour by Israeli officials, Adalah states.
Promised to provide assistance
Turkey and Spain are among the countries that were quick to condemn Israel’s action against the boats.
According to a statement from the authorities on Wednesday, all the activists are to be allowed to meet representatives of their own countries in Israel.
Representatives from the human rights organisation Adalah met the activists on Wednesday in order to assist them legally. Adalah has previously represented activists in Israeli courts.
Condemns the action
The participants come from 40 countries. Four are from Norway. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated to Dagbladet that they are aware of reports that Norwegian citizens have been arrested by Israeli authorities, and that they are working to have the information confirmed.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed NTB that they are still working to obtain an overview.
Global Sumud Flotilla has posted videos showing that Israeli forces opened fire on at least two of the vessels. No people were injured, so they may perhaps only have been warning shots directed at the intruders. (NTB-AFP-AP)
There are many who support Israel and despise these activists. But many who support Israel simultaneously believe that they should not descend to the level of the opposing side.