Gaza flotilla activists set for deportation from Israel as backlash over treatment grows
Israeli authorities said on Thursday that 32 of the 47 activists detained from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted near Cyprus would be deported, with international backlash intensifying over videos showing minister Itamar Ben-Gvir addressing handcuffed detainees.
Israel's Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the Interior said in a joint statement on Thursday afternoon that 32 of the 47 activists held from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla — intercepted off Cyprus and towed to Ashdod port — had accepted voluntary deportation. They will board flights to Istanbul, Rome and Athens. The remaining 15 activists are contesting their detention.
At the centre of the international backlash are widely shared video clips of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir addressing the handcuffed detainees. The Italian government has sent EU High Representative Kaja Kallas a formal request to add Ben-Gvir to the European Union's common sanctions list. Sweden, Ireland and Belgium have recalled their ambassadors.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Tor Wennesland said the footage 'is not consistent with international legal standards for the dignity of detainees'. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Ben-Gvir's conduct was 'incompatible with the office' and asked the attorney general to review it. Flotilla organiser the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said it would 'continue to pursue legal channels to deliver aid to Gaza'.
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