International outrage has erupted following a video posted by Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, depicting detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla forced to their knees with hands bound. The incident, which showed dozens of activists with their foreheads to the ground and hands tied, prompted immediate and strong condemnation from several European nations and even within Israel's government.

Italy, Ireland, and Spain have spearheaded calls for the European Union to sanction Ben Gvir. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani requested sanctions from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, citing "unacceptable acts committed against the flotilla, seizing the activists in international waters and subjecting them to harassment and humiliation, in violation of the most basic human rights." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier called the treatment "intolerable" and demanded an apology from Israel. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment, stating the images were "unacceptable" and vowing not to tolerate mistreatment of Spanish citizens.

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin, in a leaked letter to European Council President António Costa, condemned Israel's "shocking treatment of EU citizens" and Ben Gvir's "unacceptable behaviour." Martin urged for a discussion at the June European Council meeting, suggesting actions such as banning products from Israeli settlements and suspending parts, if not all, of the EU's Association Agreement with Israel, a treaty that includes a human rights clause. European Council President Costa himself expressed being "appalled" by Ben Gvir's actions, calling for the immediate release of the activists.

The UK summoned Israel's chargé d’affaires, with its Foreign Office issuing a statement harshly denouncing the treatment and demanding an explanation from Israeli authorities regarding the detention conditions. Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced that Warsaw would seek to ban Ben Gvir from entering the country. Greece also called for the immediate release of its nationals involved.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Turkey was sending planes to retrieve its citizens and others who participated in the flotilla, with approximately 85 Turkish nationals involved in the latest attempt.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from Turkey and Spain in attempts to breach Israel's naval blockade of the Palestinian territory. Israeli authorities said 430 activists were intercepted at sea, with many now being released and deported to a civilian airport near Eilat. The Adalah rights group confirmed some activists were held at Ashdod port, and one Israeli participant, Zohar Regev, faced a court hearing on charges of illegal entry and unlawful stay. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, and the territory has faced severe shortages of essential supplies during the ongoing war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack.

This incident is not Israel's first interception of Gaza-bound vessels; in 2010, nine activists aboard the MV Mari Marmara were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ship, with a tenth person later dying of their wounds. This latest event, coupled with documented widespread torture and abuse of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, has intensified international frustration with Israel's policies.

Criticism also emerged from within Israel's government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but stated that Ben Gvir's handling of the activists was "not in line with Israel's values and norms," instructing their deportation "as soon as possible." Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sharply rebuked Ben Gvir, stating, "You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts... No, you are not the face of Israel." Even the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, a frequent supporter, made a rare criticism, saying Ben Gvir had "betrayed the dignity" of Israel despite calling the flotilla a "stupid stunt." Ben Gvir himself was appointed national security minister despite previous convictions, including for incitement to racism and supporting a proscribed Jewish terrorist organization.