Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has drawn international condemnation after posting videos that appeared to mock activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The footage showed activists kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads pressed to the ground while Israel's national anthem played. Ben-Gvir was seen waving an Israeli flag and taunting detainees after Israeli naval forces intercepted the convoy in international waters and brought around 430 people to Ashdod port.

European leaders strongly criticized the treatment of the activists. Spain, Ireland, and Italy described the scenes as disgraceful and inhumane, with some demanding apologies and the immediate release of their citizens. Israel's own foreign minister publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir, warning that his actions harmed the country's international standing, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conduct did not reflect Israel's values and ordered the activists deported quickly.

Rights group Adalah accused Israeli authorities of pursuing a policy of abuse and humiliation, and lawyers have called for the detainees' immediate release. Hamas and Turkey also condemned the interceptions. Israel defended its actions, describing the flotilla as a public relations stunt linked to Hamas and maintaining that the blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups, amid growing global concern over humanitarian conditions in the territory.