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Israel’s Prison Service defended its treatment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained in international waters, saying personnel acted “in accordance with procedures” after footage shared by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir triggered international outrage.
The footage, shared by Ben-Gvir on the U.S.-based social media platform X on May 20, showed activists who had set out to deliver aid to Gaza being subjected to mistreatment by Israeli forces at Ashdod Port.
In a statement, the Israeli Prison Service said guards had to act to maintain order and security in the area after the detainees were received.
“All actions were carried out in accordance with procedures and professional considerations,” the statement said.
Haaretz reported that the Israeli Prison Service argued some of the mistreatment of detained activists did not take place in an area under its responsibility.
However, the newspaper said a prison staff member could clearly be seen in a photo showing activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and their heads on the ground.
Israeli security sources told Haaretz that some mistreatment occurred in areas controlled by the Israeli army and police.
The sources said the violence against an activist who shouted “Free Palestine” took place in an area controlled by the prison service.
The Israeli army and police have not issued an official statement on the matter.
Ben-Gvir posted footage from Ashdod Port, where the activists were being held after they were detained by Israeli forces.
In the video, a female activist shouted “Free Palestine” as Ben-Gvir passed by.
Israeli police then intervened harshly and forced the woman to the ground.
During the incident, Ben-Gvir was heard saying: “This is how it should be done.”
The video drew strong international reaction after it showed activists who had been seized while trying to deliver aid to Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 Spring Mission, which aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver vital humanitarian aid, was subjected to an Israeli military intervention on the night of April 29.
The incident took place off the island of Crete, a few nautical miles outside Greek territorial waters.
During the attack, which occurred in international waters about 600 nautical miles from Gaza, Israeli forces detained 177 activists and mistreated them.
Israeli forces launched another attack on the flotilla on May 18 while it was sailing toward Gaza in international waters.
The flotilla included 50 boats carrying 428 activists from 44 countries. The activists were unlawfully detained, according to the report.
A total of 85 Turkish citizens and 337 humanitarian volunteers from 41 countries who were on the Sumud Flotilla were brought to Türkiye yesterday on three planes arranged by Turkish Airlines.
The Israeli army had also carried out a similar attack in August 2025 against the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was heading toward Gaza with more than 40 boats carrying 500 activists from more than 44 countries.
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