Gaza activists detained by Israel and subjected to humiliation by the country’s far-right police minister have been released and sent back home. Intercepted in international waters by Israeli naval forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, the activists were deported from Israel on Thursday, as confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The incident, orchestrated under the direction of Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked international outrage and drew criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir, along with other government officials like Minister of Transport Miri Regev, utilized campaign-style videos to condemn the protesters, in a bid to gain attention ahead of potential early elections in Israel.
The activists, part of a flotilla aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance, faced harsh treatment during their detention. Reports indicate that despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. in October 2025, ensuring increased aid, humanitarian supplies remain scarce in Gaza.
Following their release, the approximately 430 activists were confirmed to be out of prison in southern Israel. Video evidence showed activists being forcefully subdued by officers, with claims of tasers, beatings, and other forms of mistreatment documented by Adalah, an Israeli rights group.
Allegations of abuse and assault were raised by Italian activists, including journalist Alessandro Mantovani and lawmaker Dario Carotenuto, who described their experiences of being physically attacked while in Israeli detention. The Israeli authorities have not responded to these allegations yet.
The detainment and mistreatment of the activists led several countries, including France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, to summon Israeli diplomats. Canada also confirmed the presence of 12 Canadian citizens on the flotilla and expressed concerns over their treatment.
In response to the international backlash, Israel’s Foreign Ministry defended its actions, stating that non-lethal measures were used as a warning and denying any injuries to the protesters. However, Adalah’s claims of unlawful conduct and mistreatment remain contentious.
The incident has escalated into a diplomatic row, with countries like Poland and Italy considering sanctions against Israeli officials involved. Amidst the controversy, Prime Minister Netanyahu distanced himself from Ben-Gvir’s actions, emphasizing that they do not align with Israel’s values.
The situation has further complicated Israel’s political landscape, with potential early elections looming and Netanyahu’s government facing scrutiny over its handling of the Gaza flotilla incident.
