Israel confirmed the expulsion of all foreign activists detained in the country, who were part of an aid flotilla intercepted en route to the Gaza Strip. "Israel will not tolerate any violations of the naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip," the foreign ministry stated today.

Over 430 activists from various countries were apprehended by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean last week. They were participating in the 50-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla, which had departed from Turkey. The group intended to reach the Gaza Strip to protest the Israeli blockade and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the area.

The Adalah Legal Center, representing the activists, reported that most flotilla members were transferred from Ktziot prison in the Negev desert to Ramon Airport in southern Israel for expulsion. The center is monitoring the process to ensure the activists' safe departure. Turkey announced it arranged three flights, with a total capacity of over 400 passengers, to Israel to transport its citizens and those from other nations.

The Global Sumud flotilla departing Turkey to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip on 14/5. *AFP*.

The incident was further marred by controversy surrounding a video posted by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on 20/5. The video showed activists with their hands tied, forced to kneel, and their heads bowed to the ground. Captioned "Welcome to Israel", it featured Ben Gvir with an Israeli flag, making mocking remarks and engaging in abusive behavior towards the detainees.

This video drew widespread condemnation. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy requested the European Union (EU) to impose sanctions on Ben Gvir for his "unacceptable actions". The UK also summoned Israel's highest-ranking diplomatic representative to protest, calling the video "provocative". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned Ben Gvir's actions.

Some activists accused Israeli authorities of mistreatment during their detention. Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani stated he and others were handcuffed and shackled when taken to Ben Gurion Airport for their expulsion flight. The Adalah Legal Center reported that at least two individuals were hospitalized after being hit by rubber bullets, and others feared broken bones.

Israel and the Hamas group reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip in 10/2025, which largely ended ground hostilities. Israel has since established a "golden boundary", controlling approximately 53% of Gaza's territory, and maintains its blockade of the strip's coastal waters.

By Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Times of Israel, Al Jazeera)