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 territorio nacional de este miembro…
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 20, 2026
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled,” confirming that the UK was in contact with families of detained citizens and had raised concerns directly with Israeli authorities while providing consular assistance.
I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.
We are in touch with the families of a number…
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) May 20, 2026
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong termed the treatment “degrading,” saying the images were “shocking and unacceptable” and reaffirming Australia’s condemnation of the actions shown in the video.
The images we have seen posted by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – are shocking and unacceptable. We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) May 20, 2026
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also criticised the minister, calling his conduct “despicable,” while stating that although the flotilla mission was ill-advised, the treatment of detainees undermined Israel’s dignity.I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official from @IsraeliPM @IsraelMFA @gidonsaar @IsraelPresident @yechielleiter @IsraelinUSA for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation. https://t.co/trK6VjeTIX
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 20, 2026
The European Commission said the situation was “completely unacceptable,” stressing that all detained individuals must be treated with dignity, safety, and in accordance with international law.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the Israeli ambassador would be summoned over what he described as “grave concerns,” adding that Israel must meet its international legal obligations in its treatment of New Zealand citizens involved in the flotilla. He also referenced Wellington’s previous travel ban on Ben-Gvir, saying the latest incident reinforced that decision.
German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert also described the treatment as “wholly unacceptable,” saying it was inconsistent with shared democratic values.
Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was “appalled and shocked” and demanded the immediate release of all detainees, including relatives of Irish public figures among those held.
