Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla of 50 vessels carrying 428 activists from 44 countries attempting to reach Gaza on May 19 in international waters [1, 2, 3]. The activists included 78 Turkish citizens and nationals from Italy, Spain, Poland, the UK, Australia, Finland, and others [2, 3].
Following the interception, all activists aboard were detained by Israeli authorities, including 27 Italians, 11 Australians, and 2 Polish nationals [4, 1, 5]. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted videos showing detainees zip-tied, kneeling, and being taunted by Israeli personnel, sparking international condemnation [4, 6, 7, 8, 3, 9].
The Israeli side said non-lethal force was used to stop the vessels after repeated warnings, no live fire was aimed at protesters, and no injuries were reported [1]. However, activists reported being hit by projectiles, possibly rubber bullets [1]. The flotilla sought to break Israel's blockade on Gaza, in place since 2007, by delivering aid [10, 3, 9].
Several countries summoned Israeli envoys to protest the treatment of their nationals and demanded their immediate release. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said, "Poland firmly condemns the conduct of representatives of the Israeli authorities towards activists" including Polish citizens [4]. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he "insisted that the Italian citizens involved — including a member of parliament and a journalist — be released and allowed to depart as soon as possible" [2].
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the treatment "monstrous, disgraceful, and inhumane," demanding a public apology from Israel [6]. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, "I am truly appalled at the video ... taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla" [7]. The British Foreign Office said Ben-Gvir’s conduct "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people" [11]. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the images as "shocking and unacceptable," noting Australia has sanctioned Ben-Gvir [5].
The UN called for detainees to be treated with respect and dignity and returned swiftly to their home countries [3]. Poland announced on May 21 it will ban Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country due to his conduct [4].
The flotilla departed Marmaris, Turkey, on May 18 and was intercepted a day later [2, 3, 9, 11]. Ahead, more diplomatic engagement is expected as countries press Israel for the release of detained activists and clarification of their status.
