Global Sumud Flotilla

Israeli forces arrested 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters on Tuesday to halt a flotilla of volunteers trying to bring aid supplies to the Gaza Strip.

Israel demanded answers from Madrid over the treatment of the activists, days after Spain summoned Israel’s representative over Ben-Gvir’s controversial video taunting detained flotilla members.

"As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from accessing French territory," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, as he demanded EU sanctions against the far-right minister.

Earlier, the Polish minister had summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires over the detention of Gaza flotilla activists, including Polish nationals, demanding their immediate release and an apology.

Earlier on Thursday, two Jordanian activists who had been on the flotilla were returned home after efforts led by the Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ministry.

Adalah said lawyers collected testimony from detained flotilla participants alleging serious violence, sexual humiliation, and psychological abuse before their transfer to Ketziot Prison.

In response to Ben-Gvir's video, FM Sa'ar accused the far-right minister of damaging Israel's reputation, saying that he wasted "enormous professional and successful efforts."

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“All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

The ruling comes as Israel again faces an international confrontation over Gaza-bound flotillas, after the Navy intercepted the latest Global Sumud Flotilla this week.