Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has called for European Union-wide sanctions against Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, following allegations of degrading treatment of detained pro-Palestinian activists from the “Sumud” flotilla.
“Unacceptable behaviour” – Madrid’s warning to Ben-Gvir
Sánchez condemned a video posted on X by Ben-Gvir, which – according to Spanish officials – showed activists being subjected to humiliating treatment. Describing the actions as unacceptable, the prime minister insisted that Spain would not tolerate any mistreatment of its citizens.
He also recalled that Spain had already imposed a travel ban on Ben-Gvir and said he would now push for such restrictions to be extended across the entire European Union.
Flotilla intercepted – hundreds detained
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, all vessels linked to the “Global Sumud Flotilla” were intercepted, and around 430 activists were taken into custody. Israeli authorities have claimed that the detainees should have been handed over to consular officials.
The flotilla, which began in April and included ships from several countries, aimed to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and establish a humanitarian maritime corridor. Israeli forces reportedly began interceptions in international waters, towing the vessels to the port of Ashdod.
French politician joins condemnation
Separately, the French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon wrote on his X:
“Members of the international flotilla were illegally abducted, attacked and humiliated by the supremacist minister Ben-Gvir and his militiamen. Whatever one thinks of Barrot, everyone must condemn him when he denounces the flotilla while Ben-Gvir humiliates his prisoners. Shame on Netanyahu’s government and its accomplices.”
