Israel has begun deporting foreign activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters earlier this week, sparking widespread international condemnation.
Israeli authorities said all foreign activists taken into custody during the operation would be expelled, insisting the naval blockade on Gaza remains lawful. The flotilla, made up of more than 50 boats carrying hundreds of activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces on Tuesday while attempting to reach Gaza.
Rights group Adalah said around 430 activists were detained, with many transferred to Ramon Airport in southern Israel for deportation, while others were processed through Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
The operation drew criticism from several countries, including Spain, Brazil and India, whose foreign ministers described the interceptions as violations of international and humanitarian law. Tensions escalated further after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing detained activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.
The footage triggered diplomatic protests from countries including France, Canada, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, all of which summoned Israeli ambassadors over the incident. European Council President Antonio Costa also condemned the treatment of detainees.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly called for discussions on possible sanctions against Ben-Gvir at the next European Union foreign ministers’ meeting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to stop the flotilla but criticised Ben-Gvir’s conduct, saying it did not reflect Israel’s values.
Meanwhile, France confirmed the deportation of 37 French nationals, while Turkiye arranged charter flights to bring back its citizens and several foreign nationals, including Spaniards. Jordan also confirmed the return of two of its citizens.
An Israeli activist, Zohar Regev, remains in legal proceedings after appearing before a court in Ashkelon on allegations linked to illegally entering Israel.
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