Israel completed the deportation of approximately 430 foreign activists on May 21, 2026, after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters as it sailed toward Gaza. The flotilla, which consisted of more than 50 boats carrying aid workers, journalists and solidarity campaigners from dozens of countries, was boarded by Israeli naval forces and redirected to the port of Ashdod, where all passengers were detained before being processed for removal from the country.
Video footage that circulated widely on social media showed what observers described as harsh treatment of the detained activists at the port facility. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was seen present at the site during the processing of detainees. Among the accounts that drew particular attention was that of an Italian journalist who reported being transported to Ben Gurion airport in handcuffs with chains on her feet, a detail that provoked sharp reactions from Italian officials and press freedom organizations.
The diplomatic fallout was swift and broad. Six countries, namely Italy, France, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, summoned Israeli ambassadors to formally protest the interception and the treatment of their nationals. Foreign ministers from ten countries, including Spain, Brazil and India, issued statements condemning Israel's actions as violations of international law, citing the boarding of civilian vessels in international waters and the detention of foreign citizens. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went further, demanding public apologies from the Israeli government over the handling of Spanish citizens aboard the flotilla.
Several countries moved to secure the release and safe return of their nationals. Indonesia confirmed that nine of its citizens were among those detained and said its foreign ministry was working to ensure their freedom. Ireland reported that 14 Irish citizens had been among the deported, with the group sent to Turkey after their removal from Israel. Amnesty International, in remarks reported during a Polish broadcast, described the broader situation in Gaza as genocide, adding further weight to the international criticism surrounding the flotilla interception.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest maritime attempt to reach Gaza in recent years, surpassing previous efforts both in the number of vessels and participants involved. The interception and mass deportation have reignited debate over the legality of Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and the extent to which foreign nationals can be detained for attempting to deliver humanitarian aid by sea. With ambassador summons from six nations and formal condemnation from ten foreign ministers, the incident marks one of the most significant diplomatic confrontations Israel has faced over its Gaza policy in months.