A political storm has erupted after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir published a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied. The footage, shared on social media platform X, has triggered widespread international condemnation and intensified diplomatic tensions.
The activists were detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted multiple vessels attempting to reach Gaza. The group was taken to the southern port of Ashdod, where hundreds of foreign nationals were reportedly held for processing and deportation.
The video quickly went viral, drawing criticism from governments, international organizations, and human rights groups across the world.
Controversial Video Triggers International Condemnation
The video posted by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shows dozens of detained activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and foreheads touching the ground. The footage also includes background audio of the Israeli national anthem playing during parts of the scene.
The minister added the caption “Welcome to Israel,” further escalating criticism from global observers.
Ben Gvir is also seen in the video moving among detainees while holding an Israeli flag. The visuals were widely described as humiliating by international officials and human rights organizations.
Several countries reacted strongly to the footage. The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, described the actions as “despicable” and criticized the treatment of detainees.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated that individuals should not be punished for humanitarian actions. She emphasized respect for human dignity regardless of political circumstances.
France summoned the Israeli ambassador, calling the video unacceptable. Spain also condemned the treatment of activists and summoned Israel’s diplomatic representative in protest.
Belgium described the footage as deeply disturbing and formally raised concerns with Israeli authorities. Ireland’s foreign minister expressed shock and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists, including relatives of high-profile political figures.
Turkey’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the video and accused Israel’s leadership of promoting violence and humiliation.
Israeli Leadership Distances Itself From Minister’s Actions
The video also sparked internal criticism within Israel’s political leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the conduct shown in the footage does not reflect Israel’s official values or standards.
Netanyahu confirmed that instructions had been issued to ensure the swift deportation of detained activists. He emphasized that Israel’s priority was to resolve the situation quickly while managing security concerns.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized Ben Gvir’s actions, stating that the minister had caused unnecessary damage to Israel’s international image. He accused Ben Gvir of repeated behavior that harms diplomatic relations.
However, Ben Gvir defended the video and his actions. He stated that he was proud of the operation against what he described as supporters of terror organizations. He further argued that the footage represented national strength and security enforcement.
His statements deepened political divisions within Israel’s leadership and intensified global scrutiny of the handling of the detained activists.
Flotilla Interception Raises Tensions Over Gaza Blockade
The detained activists were part of a flotilla of around 50 vessels that departed from Turkey. The mission, organized under the Global Sumud Flotilla movement, aimed to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Israeli authorities intercepted the vessels at sea and detained approximately 430 activists. The government described the flotilla as a political provocation and a coordinated attempt to undermine security restrictions.
Rights group Adalah confirmed that legal teams had visited detention facilities in Ashdod to meet some of the detainees. The group accused Israeli authorities of abusive treatment and humiliation.
Hamas also reacted strongly to the footage, calling it evidence of moral wrongdoing and mistreatment of civilians. Israel, however, rejected such claims and described the flotilla as a publicity stunt aligned with militant interests.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing security concerns. The region has faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies during ongoing conflict conditions.
A previous flotilla attempt was also intercepted in international waters, with activists deported after detention.
The latest incident has further intensified global debate over humanitarian access, maritime law, and the ongoing Gaza blockade, keeping diplomatic tensions at a high level.
