Global outrage erupts over Israel minister’s video of detained Gaza flotilla activists
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JERUSALEM – A video posted by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla kneeling with their hands tied has triggered widespread international condemnation, with several governments and senior officials calling the treatment “unacceptable” and “degrading.” The footage, shared on social media platform X, was released after Israeli naval forces intercepted multiple vessels carrying humanitarian activists headed for Gaza and detained hundreds of foreign nationals at the port of Ashdod. ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC — איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026 The video quickly sparked diplomatic backlash, drawing criticism from world leaders, European Union officials, and foreign ministries, while also prompting rare internal criticism within Israel’s leadership, including remarks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. European Council President António Costa condemned the incident, calling the treatment of detainees “completely unacceptable” and demanding their immediate release. Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release. — António Costa (@eucopresident) May 21, 2026 European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the handling of activists, including EU citizens, was “degrading and wrong,” adding that such conduct was not compatible with democratic standards. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also strongly criticised the images, describing them as unacceptable and warning that Spain would push for stricter European action regarding Ben-Gvir’s status. Las imágenes del ministro israelí Ben Gvir humillando a los miembros de la flotilla internacional en apoyo a Gaza son inaceptables. No vamos a tolerar que nadie maltrate a nuestros ciudadanos. En septiembre anuncié la prohibición de acceso al ter