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Israeli Navy Seizes Global Sumud Flotilla as Ben‑Gvir Video Draws International Outcry

The footage of bound activists has deepened diplomatic pressure on Israel by exposing a public rift in its government and raising questions about detainee treatment.

Overview

  • Israeli naval forces boarded roughly 50 vessels from the Turkey‑launched Global Sumud flotilla and moved about 430 activists onto Israeli ships for transport to Ashdod, the foreign ministry said.
  • National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir posted video showing detainees kneeling with hands bound, and the footage was widely condemned for showing degrading treatment.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rebuked Ben‑Gvir for the video and ordered that the detained activists be deported as soon as possible.
  • Several European and other governments summoned Israeli ambassadors and demanded explanations, while rights lawyers from the group Adalah said they were providing legal counsel to the detainees.
  • Organizers reported that at least 87 detainees began a hunger strike in protest of their detention, a move that could heighten legal and diplomatic pressure on Israel and may affect consular access and deportation timing.