"Completely Unacceptable": EU Slams Israel Over Gaza Activists' Treatment

On 21 May 2026, the EU called Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla activists 'completely unacceptable' after a video by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed him with detained activists. About ten countries summoned Israeli envoys over the video. Poland's foreign minister asked for a ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country and demanded an apology, while Italy asked the EU to sanction him. Der Spiegel wrote that EU sanctions against him were moving closer.

US senators, France and the Baltic states also condemned the treatment of the activists. France said Israel was deporting 37 French nationals, and Türkiye said it was securing the return of activists as Israel deports them via Ramon Airport.