Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel reported that all activists belonging to Global Sumud Flotilla, who were previously detained, were deported.

This happened after news of their treatment by Israeli security forces caused an international reaction. 430 activists from different countries, including European ones, were intercepted in waters near Cyprus on Monday. They were afterwards placed in detention in Israel. This Global Flotilla is the latest of such actions attempting to go through the naval blockade of Gaza.

Aside form flotilla activists detention, an outcry was caused by behavior of Israeli far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. After the incident, he posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and on their knees or on the ground. Ben-Gvir waved the Israel flag and was taunting and insulting the activists, while they were handled in a rough way by the security forces.

This triggered reactions from across the European countries, whose citizens were part of the Flotilla. A number of officials from ministers to heads of governments and states condemned the treatment of activists and Ben-Gvir’s actions. Statements, such as those from Italy’s PM Meloni, French Foreign Minister Barrot etc., urged Israel to release those people and to treat them with respect no matter their beliefs. Some countries, such as Spain and Ireland, are calling for sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Similar reaction came from officials in Israel. Country’s PM Netanyahu, while not condemning the detainment itself, said that the way in which the National Security Minister dealt with the situation is not in line with Israel’s “values and norms”. While Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Minister, was more emotional, saying that Ben-Gvir’s actions are ruining the image of Israel.