Gaza flotilla activists deported from Israel as backlash over treatment grows
Activists detained and deported
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists who were detained in Israel after their flotilla bringing symbolic aid to Gaza was intercepted have been deported. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Video of activists’ treatment sparks global outrage
A video showing Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting activists who were kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs has been widely condemned. The footage, shared on social media, has triggered a global backlash over the treatment of the activists.
Israel’s response and international reaction
- Israel has stated it has released and deported hundreds of activists who took part in the flotilla.
- The deportations have drawn international criticism, with global outrage growing over the handling of the activists.
- Reports indicate that the foreign activists were deported to Turkey following the incident.
Background: The Gaza flotilla incident
Israeli occupation forces intercepted multiple vessels from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, under the watch of international observers. The flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, but was met with forceful resistance from Israeli authorities.