Israel deports “all foreign activists” by intercepting Gaza aid boat

Israel says it has deported all foreign activists detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, as international criticism mounts over the treatment of those arrested, reports Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP on May 21st.

According to Israeli officials, the vessel was stopped in international waters on May 20th while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said Israel would not allow any attempt to breach its naval blockade on the Palestinian territory.

The diplomatic fallout intensified after far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video appearing to mock activists who were being restrained on the ground by officers. Two detainees later alleged they were physically assaulted while in custody.

The footage triggered condemnation from governments across Europe and drew criticism from figures both inside and outside Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly rebuked Ben-Gvir over the incident, while US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the minister had “betrayed the dignity” of the country.

Several European nations summoned Israeli ambassadors in protest. Italy demanded an official apology, Spain warned it would not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens, and France called for the immediate release of all detainees before the deportations were completed.

Britain’s foreign ministry described the video as violating “basic standards of respect and dignity”, while Poland’s foreign minister suggested Ben-Gvir should be barred from entering the country.

The flotilla operation comes amid growing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where aid access has become increasingly restricted during the ongoing conflict. Activists involved in the mission said they aimed to deliver supplies and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis.

The controversy has also highlighted political tensions inside Israel. Ben-Gvir, alongside Transport Minister Miri Regev, posted campaign-style videos criticizing the activists and celebrating the interception of the vessel. Observers say the highly publicized response may be linked to positioning ahead of a possible early Israeli election.

Asharq Al-Awsat via AFP, Maghrebi.org