Israeli Forces Detain Gaza-Bound Flotilla Activists, Deport 422 People From 41 Countries

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters and detained activists before transferring them to prisons in Israel, with the BBC reporting that 422 people from 41 countries were then deported.

“French sailor Adrien Pain, a member of the Sumud flotilla to Gaza who returned to Paris on Friday, accused Israeli forces of kidnapping militants in international waters before subjecting them to acts of torture, sexual violence and degrading treatment during several days of detention”

Anadolu Ajansı

The BBC said an activist from Birmingham, Hasnain Jafer from Birmingham, who works for King's College London, described being kicked and punched while detained, telling BBC Midlands Today: "They would actually kick us and punch us."

Anadolu Ajansı

RTBF reported that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on Telegram a video showing him in cargo holds where activists were kneeling with their hands bound, and it quoted a guard threatening a detainee with a weapon placed against a comrade's temple.

RTBF also said activists were transferred to Ktziot Prison in Israel and quoted Aude Gaspar describing zip-ties used as handcuffs, saying: "Throughout, there were zip-ties used as handcuffs, tight enough to bite into our flesh."

Activists and organizers described torture and sexual violence during detention, while Israel’s prison service denied the allegations, and the BBC said it could not independently verify them.

The BBC reported that Jafer said he was punched in the ribs and kicked in the crevice behind his knee numerous times while walking, and it quoted Israel’s prison service response that allegations were "false and entirely without factual basis."

BBC

France Palestine Solidarité said at least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rapes, were reported by organizers, while it also quoted an Israeli Prison Service spokesperson saying: "The allegations made are false and devoid of any factual basis."

In Paris, L’Humanité reported that French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Saturday that Itamar Ben-Gvir was no longer welcome in France, saying: "This decision follows his unspeakable actions toward French and European citizens."

The flotilla episode triggered international responses including sanctions discussions and legal scrutiny, with France Palestine Solidarité saying Italy said EU members were discussing imposing sanctions against minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

“Photo: Militants of the flotilla detained by Israel in the port of Ashdod, May 20, 2026 © Ben Gvir's X account”

France Palestine Solidarité

France Palestine Solidarité also reported that Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said he was in contact with EU counterparts "so that a quick decision can be made to impose sanctions" on Ben-Gvir.

Anadolu Ajansı described French sailor Adrien Pain accusing Israeli forces of kidnapping militants in international waters southwest of Cyprus, and it quoted him saying: "They beat us with the butts of rifles, with rifle butt blows."

Anadolu Ajansı further tied the testimonies to ongoing legal proceedings, stating that the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war, including for using famine as a weapon of war.