'Welcome to Israel': Ben Gvir's treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees sparks backlash

'Welcome to Israel': Ben Gvir's treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees sparks backlash Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 18:57 European leaders, Israeli officials and social media users criticised footage posted by Israel’s national security minister Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir seen taunting flotilla activists in video posted online (screengrab/X) Off A video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling in front of Israeli law enforcement officers with their hands restrained has triggered international condemnation and a wave of outrage online. Israeli forces intercepted all 77 ships participating in the latest flotilla mission, the  Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF ), organisers said on Tuesday, more than a day after the interceptions began. According to flotilla organisers, the Israeli navy deployed a “fully equipped naval fleet” to stop and board the vessels before detaining hundreds of international volunteers. Politicians and social media users are accusing Israel of humiliating civilians intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza. The backlash came after Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian aid mission that seeks to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel’s siege of the enclave. Israeli authorities detained activists aboard the vessels and brought them to Ashdod port, prompting criticism from politicians and rights advocates. International officials condemn footage The footage spurred reactions across Europe online. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the treatment seen in the footage in a post on X, calling the images “unacceptable” and sayin...

Original source: Middle East Eye