Israel deports Gaza flotilla activists

On 21 May 2026, Israel deported the foreign activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla it had intercepted, after detaining more than 400 people. Israel's Foreign Ministry said all had been deported, and the first activists arrived in Turkey. They included 37 French nationals, eight Swiss participants and two South Koreans. Activists said they had been mistreated, saying 'got bruises all over'.

A video posted by Israeli minister Ben-Gvir showing flotilla activists drew outcry: ten countries summoned Israeli envoys, the EU condemned it, Italy asked the EU to sanction Ben-Gvir, and the European Council president said he was shocked. France and the Baltic states condemned Israel's treatment of the activists. COGAT demanded that the UN end support for Turkey's IHH, which it calls a designated terror group.