GAZA: Israeli forces have detained volunteers from the Samood Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by breaking Israel’s naval blockade, according to international media reports.
Over 40 countries were represented in the group of around 430 humanitarian aid workers who were detained in international waters and brought back to Israel, according to sources. Some ships were said to have been attacked during the arrest mission.
A clip that was released by the Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has caused a global uproar. In the video, it can be seen that the detainees are forced to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs as the minister wields an Israeli flag and threatens them. As the activist with his hands tied yells out for freedom for Palestinians, he is brutally beaten down by security forces.
“WELCOME TO HELL. The summer camp is over.”
These are the words of Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, directed at a female activist kidnapped from the humanitarian flotilla that was trying to bring food and aid to starving civilians in Gaza.
Aid workers… pic.twitter.com/mm6DwS7pGM
— Naji Sarsour (@NajiSarsour) May 20, 2026
According to sources, the minister insisted on keeping them detained in Israel for a prolonged period as it had been “a case of becoming heroes.”
The flotilla’s organizers condemned the treatment, calling it a violation of human rights. Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing concerns that Hamas could acquire weapons through maritime routes.
The video clips have led to criticisms on social networks, with human rights activists and other observers demanding the release of the volunteers as soon as possible.
