Detained activists from a flotilla of boats that attempted to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza arrived in the port city of Ashdod on Wednesday aboard Israeli naval vessels. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told them they should remain in prison for a "long, long time."
Ben-Gvir's Confrontation with Activists
Video released by Ben-Gvir showed the minister walking among approximately 430 detained activists, flanked by police and soldiers, waving a large Israeli flag and declaring, "Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords." One handcuffed activist who shouted "Free Palestine" as Ben-Gvir passed was immediately pushed to the ground by security personnel. The footage also depicted activists with their hands tied behind their backs, kneeling with their heads touching the floor in a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port and on a ship's deck.
In a second video, Ben-Gvir stated, "They came here all full of pride like big heroes. Look at them now," while appealing to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for permission to imprison them. "I say to Prime Minister Netanyahu, give them to me for a long, long time, give them to us for the terrorist prisons, that's what it should look like," he said.
Legal Advocacy Group Condemns Treatment
The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (Adalah) accused Israeli authorities of "employing a criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists." Adalah noted that this follows similar patterns of ill-treatment in previous flotilla missions "for which Israel faced zero accountability." The group stated that its lawyers and volunteers were providing legal advice to activists at Ashdod and demanding their immediate release. "The international community must take urgent measures to protect the flotilla members against this brutal and illegal conduct by Israeli officials," Adalah said.
International Reactions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar overnight, urging the swift release of Italian citizens, including a lawmaker and a journalist, and ensuring their safety and rights. Israeli forces boarded the last of the flotilla boats on Tuesday, which organizers claimed involved soldiers firing on five boats, causing damage. Israel's Foreign Ministry denied live ammunition was used, stating only "nonlethal means" were employed as warnings without targeting protesters.
The flotilla, which departed from Turkey last week, was intercepted around 167 miles (268 kilometers) from Gaza's coastline. Israel described the mission as "a PR stunt at the service of Hamas" with no real intent to deliver aid, as the boats carried only symbolic amounts. On Monday, the Israeli navy stopped 41 boats in international waters off Cyprus and detained those on board.
More than a dozen Irish nationals were aboard, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called the interception in international waters "absolutely unacceptable." Turkey and Hamas labeled the interdictions as "piracy," while Italy, Spain, and Indonesia called for the activists' release and safety. The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions against several European activists on the flotilla, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling them "pro-terror."
Background on Gaza Blockade
Israel has maintained a sea blockade of Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, intensifying it after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages. Critics view the blockade as collective punishment, while Israel argues it prevents Hamas from arming. Egypt, controlling the only border crossing not under Israeli control, has also restricted movement. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 72,700 deaths in Israel's retaliatory offensive, though the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
