Global Sumud Fleet – 2026 Spring Mission

Global Sumud Fleet 2026 Spring Mission is an international maritime mission led by civil society, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the blockade imposed by Israel, departing from various ports of the Mediterranean. The mission began in April 2026.

^{Vessels joining the Global Sumud Fleet mission from France depart from Marseille, 4 April 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The fleet’s previous mission was carried out in September 2025 with 42 vessels and 462 participants. Israeli forces illegally halted and forcibly seized the fleet, detaining all individuals on board and transporting them to Israel. The Israeli navy boarded vessels belonging to the fleet approximately 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast, cut off communications, and blocked signals.

The Global Sumud Fleet’s 2026 Spring Mission has been organized as an international civil coalition bringing together participants from different countries, targeting Israel’s blockade of Gaza and responding to the humanitarian and political situation faced by Palestinians.

Organizers have outlined the mission’s four primary objectives: to break the illegal blockade of Gaza, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and solidarity, unite global voices beyond borders and beliefs into a single coordinated effort, and affirm that freedom and justice cannot be subject to negotiation.

^{Vessels joining the Global Sumud Fleet mission from France depart from Marseille, 4 April 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The fleet assembled for the 2026 Spring Mission is planned as a structure comprising over 70 vessels and more than 1,000 participants from over 70 countries. Participants include healthcare workers, teachers, and technical experts.

It has been announced that the rescue vessel “Open Arms,” operated by the Spanish civil society organization Proactiva Open Arms, will also join the mission.

As part of the “2026 Spring Mission,” the Marseille departure saw approximately 20 vessels set sail from the port of Marseille in southern France on 4 April toward Italy. After coordinating further in Italy, the expanded convoy is expected to cross the Mediterranean.

The vessels departing from France were prepared at the L’Estaque Port in Marseille by the France Campaign, a coalition formed by the Thousand Madleens to Gaza movement, the Freedom Fleet Coalition, and various civil society organizations. The vessels carry humanitarian supplies, medical equipment, and essential goods, with approximately eight people aboard each vessel.

The sails of the vessels feature traditional Palestinian embroidery art motifs known as “tatreez”, along with images of the figure Hanzala.

Esther Le Cordier of the Thousand Madleens to Gaza movement stated that approximately 500,000 euros were raised to prepare the vessels. Each vessel was prepared according to different themes such as agriculture, education, culture, and fishing, with some carrying irrigation systems, seeds brought from various countries, and materials for rebuilding fishing boats.

Marseille residents waved Palestinian flags and bid farewell to the vessels with chants and applause. A press conference was held at L’Estaque Port on the morning of 4 April, during which representatives of civil society organizations made statements.

^{Vessels joining the Global Sumud Fleet mission from France depart from Marseille, 4 April 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Greenpeace announced on 6 April 2026 that its vessel Arctic Sunrise would join the Global Sumud Fleet. The vessel is planned to provide technical and operational maritime support to the mission.

MY Arctic Sunrise has been part of the Greenpeace fleet since 1995 and has been at the forefront of global campaigns from Antarctica to the Arctic. The vessel, measuring 50.5 meters, is classified as an ice-class ship capable of carrying up to 30 people and traveling at a maximum speed of 13 knots.

Greenpeace Spain Executive Director Eva Saldaña described participation in the mission as a moral imperative amid escalating conflict. Greenpeace MENA Executive Director Ghiwa Nakat emphasized that the fleet supports a people-led mission demanding safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, reaffirming their commitment against war crimes, deliberate starvation, and genocide.

The main departure of the Global Sumud Fleet’s 2026 Spring Mission took place on 12 April 2026 from Barcelona, Spain. The fleet aims to reach Gaza via the Mediterranean to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.

^{Global Sumud Fleet departs from Barcelona toward Gaza, 12 April 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The Barcelona departure has been noted to significantly increase participation compared to the previous mission in September 2025. While the earlier mission involved 42 vessels and 462 participants, the 2026 Spring Mission is reported to include over 70 vessels and nearly 1,000 volunteers from more than 70 countries. Some reports indicate the fleet has grown to more than 80 vessels with approximately 1,000 participants.

A large-scale farewell event was held at the port of Barcelona as the fleet departed. Supporters from Spain and other countries waved Palestinian flags and bid farewell to the fleet with chants of “Free Palestine” and applause.

At a press conference held before the departure, organizers reiterated the mission’s core objectives: to break the blockade on Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid, and draw international public attention to the situation in the region. Appeals were made for support from the international community.

^{Global Sumud Fleet departs from Barcelona toward Gaza, 12 April 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Pablo Castilla, a spokesperson for the fleet, stated that the fundamental aim of the initiative is “to condemn international complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, demand accountability from those responsible, and open a humanitarian corridor by sea and land”. The same statements noted that U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and Israeli operations in Lebanon have diverted international attention away from Gaza, while the blockade on Gaza has intensified and humanitarian aid efforts have been increasingly restricted.

The fleet departing from Barcelona is planned to proceed through the Mediterranean, depending on sea and weather conditions. In the event of adverse weather, the fleet may temporarily dock at a nearby port before continuing its journey. For the 2026 mission, both maritime routes and land convoys are planned to be utilized.

As part of the Global Sumud Fleet’s 2026 Spring Mission, a press conference was held on 22 April 2026 in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Italian Parliament. Attendees included members of parliament from left-wing opposition parties, representatives of the Global Sumud Fleet, and civil society organizations supporting Palestine.

Opening the meeting, Antonio Ferrara noted that thousands of people supporting this initiative exposed contradictions in government rhetoric, stating “This fleet has given the world a profound lesson in humanity.” Stefania Ascari, who participated via video conference, also affirmed that the Global Sumud Fleet represented an important initiative on behalf of humanity.

Laura Boldrini, in her speech, highlighted that Israel continues to maintain its blockade on Gaza and violations in the West Bank; she pledged that parliamentarians would closely monitor the fleet’s activities and declared “We will do everything necessary at the political and institutional level to ensure the safe journey of this peaceful and humanitarian fleet.” Boldrini also recalled that some European Union countries had opposed proposals to suspend commercial relations with Israel.

Marco Grimaldi pointed out that during the previous mission in September 2025, Italian government officials had urged the fleet to abandon its mission; he countered by insisting on the necessity of ensuring access to Gaza and Palestine. Grimaldi also called for international media to be granted access to Gaza.

^{Küresel Sumud Filosu "2026 Bahar Misyonu" İtalya'dan yola çıkıyor, 26 Nisan 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Maria Elena Delia, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Fleet in Italy, assessed the relaunch of the mission by stating “We are setting sail again because there is an ongoing and unlawful blockade.” She emphasized that the situation in Gaza persists and that the objectives of the previous mission remain unchanged. Delia also stated that 800 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire.

Susan Abdallah, a member of the Global Sumud Fleet Organizing Committee, noted that the situation in Gaza has persisted for a long time and called on the international community to recognize its responsibility.

As part of the Global Sumud Fleet’s 2026 Spring Mission, the vessels that departed from Barcelona on 12 April 2026 arrived in Italy’s Sicily Island on 23 April 2026. The vessels from Barcelona joined others that had completed their preparations in Italy at Syracuse Port.

Vessels adorned with Palestinian flags and decorated with Palestinian motifs docked in the harbor in the evening. Supporters at the port greeted the fleet with chants of “Free Palestine.”

^{Küresel Sumud Filosu "2026 Bahar Misyonu" İtalya'dan yola çıkıyor, 26 Nisan 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Following the arrival, a public press conference was held with participation from representatives of civil society organizations supporting the Global Sumud Fleet. Statements emphasized that the fleet was embarking for the second time toward Gaza and continuing its previous objectives.

Fatih Varol, a member of the Global Sumud Fleet Board of Directors, noted that over 500 civil society organizations in Turkey support the fleet, stating “More than 500 civil society organizations in Turkey support the Global Sumud Fleet.” Varol also referenced the Mavi Marmara ship and recalled past events.

During the meeting, activist Ayçin Kantoğlu addressed participants via phone connection and recited a poem by Nazım Hikmet in Italian. Additionally, Francesco Carfi, a representative of the Italian bank Banca Etica, announced the launch of a fundraising campaign for the fleet’s mission and stated that 11,000 euros had been collected.

The preparation phase in Italy was completed at the ports of Syracuse and Augusta on Sicily Island. With the inclusion of Italian activists, the fleet grew to approximately 65 vessels. After completing all necessary port procedures, the fleet departed from Augusta’s marina on 26 April 2026 and entered the Mediterranean Sea.

^{Küresel Sumud Filosu "2026 Bahar Misyonu" İtalya'dan yola çıkıyor, 26 Nisan 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

At the time of departure, a large number of supporters gathered at the port, chanting “Free Palestine” and lighting torches. Palestinian flags flew from the masts of the vessels. The fleet was met by a Greenpeace vessel near the entrance to Augusta’s marina, offering its support.

Following the Global Sumud Fleet’s entry into the Mediterranean Sea, Eva Hrncirova, spokesperson for the European Commission, responded to a question regarding whether the EU would directly call on Israel to ensure the fleet’s safety by stating that the EU continues to engage with Israel and its member states on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hrncirova reiterated in this context “We continuously call for unhindered access to Gaza.”

^{Küresel Sumud Filosu "2026 Bahar Misyonu" İtalya'dan yola çıkıyor, 26 Nisan 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Hrncirova also affirmed that the humanitarian motivations of those aboard the fleet are respected, but stated that “We do not encourage such methods of aid delivery because they put participants’ safety at risk.” The statement emphasized that under international law, freedom of assembly and adherence to maritime navigation rules in international waters must be upheld.

In response to a question on whether the European Union opposes the fleet, Hrncirova answered “No.” She clarified that the EU’s primary objective is to deliver food and essential equipment to Gaza and to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the region.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, joined by vessels from Italy, reached a total of 65 ships and set sail from Sicily into the Mediterranean Sea on 26 April 2026. The flotilla includes 345 participants from 39 different countries, of whom 178 are from Spain and 167 from Italy. Among the participants are 31 Turks. Two observer vessels belonging to Open Arms and Greenpeace are also part of the flotilla.

^{Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 30 April 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

On 29 April 2026, Israeli naval forces began an intervention against the flotilla in international waters. On the same day at 18:43 UTC (21:43 Türkiye time), a source identifying itself as the Israeli Navy issued a warning over the general international radio channel (channel 16), demanding that the flotilla change course.

^{Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla continuing their journey, as broadcast on its live feed, 30 April 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

Following the radio warning, it was reported that the flotilla’s communication systems were jammed. The jamming activities affected VHF maritime emergency (SOS) communications, VHF channels used for flotilla coordination, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Iridium bands.

Activists aboard the flotilla reported that during the intervention, unmanned aerial vehicles flew over the vessels, some ships were targeted with lasers, and flare guns were fired. It was also stated that military boats identified as Israeli approached the vessels, pointed semi-automatic weapons at them, and ordered participants to move to the front decks and kneel down.

The intervention took place in international waters approximately 45 nautical miles west of the Greek island of Crete and about 600 nautical miles from Gaza. This location is farther from the coast than any previous flotilla intervention, which had occurred at a maximum distance of approximately 72 nautical miles. By 06:47 Türkiye time on 30 April 2026, it was confirmed that multiple vessels of the flotilla had been seized by Israel, and communication with these vessels had been cut off.

According to initial information attributed to the Israeli Army Radio, seven vessels belonging to the flotilla of 58 ships were detained by the Israeli Navy. However, in a subsequent statement by the Global Sumud Flotilla, it was reported that Israeli forces had intervened against 21 vessels in international waters and detained them. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a social media post, stated that “more than 20 vessels had resulted in the detention of approximately 175 activists”. International media later reported that the number of seized vessels had risen to 22.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla’s statement, Israeli forces damaged the engines and navigation systems of some vessels before withdrawing from the area. The same statement indicated that 17 vessels from the flotilla had successfully overcome the Israeli intervention and entered Greek territorial waters, while 14 others were en route toward Greek territorial waters.

It was reported that the vessel named “Tam Tam” suffered mechanical failure during the intervention and was abandoned in open sea, but that the crew and activists aboard were in good health.

Gur Tsabar, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, characterized the Israeli intervention as “a direct armed attack on unarmed civilian vessels in international waters”. The flotilla’s statements described the intervention as “an attempt by Israel to normalize its control over the Mediterranean” and “piracy in international waters”.

In a statement issued by Greenpeace International, all governments were called upon to uphold international law, and a safe passage for the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was demanded.

On 30 April 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye issued a written statement declaring that “the attack by Israeli forces against the Global Sumud Flotilla, established to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters constitutes an act of piracy.” The statement further emphasized that the intervention violated international law and the principle of freedom of navigation, and called on the international community to adopt a unified stance.

Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, in a social media statement, described the intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla as “a pirate attack occurring in international waters”. In his statement, Kurtulmuş added: “This barbaric act by Zionist Israeli terror forces, targeting law, humanity and conscience, cannot be justified under any pretext. This attack is also an open war crime against humanity.”

Burhanettin Duran, Director of the Presidency of Communications, described the intervention as “an obvious violation of law and an unacceptable attack”, and stated that “Israel has demonstrated through this intervention that it is engaged in piracy in international waters.” The statement also confirmed that the situation of Turkish citizens aboard the flotilla was being monitored in coordination with relevant countries.

Arturo Scotto, Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and Member of the Democratic Party (PD), responded on social media to the flotilla being stopped 700 nautical miles from Gaza, in international waters. Scotto stated: “They stopped the Global Sumud Flotilla 700 miles from Gaza, in international waters, off the coast of Greece. History is repeating itself. This time, it is happening right here in Europe. Can such violence and such disregard for international law be tolerated?”

According to sources from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani issued directives through the ministry’s crisis unit following the incident. It was reported that Tajani instructed Italy’s embassies in Tel Aviv and Athens to contact Israeli and Greek authorities to obtain information on the scope of the operation and to take measures to protect Italian citizens aboard the vessels.

In a social media statement, former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis confirmed that Israeli vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles had intervened against the flotilla off the coast of Crete and criticized the Greek government. In his statement, Varoufakis declared: “The Greek government is either complicit or incapable of defending our seas from Israel.”

Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, responded to Israel’s intervention against the flotilla in international waters, stating that the action must be evaluated under international law. Albanese described the intervention as “apartheid without borders.”

In a written statement, Hamas condemned Israel’s intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla as “a crime and an act of piracy” and called on the international community to take action to secure the release of the detained activists.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, joined by vessels from Italy, reached a total of 65 ships and departed from Sicily into the Mediterranean Sea on 26 April 2026. The flotilla includes 345 participants from 39 different countries, of whom 178 are from Spain and 167 from Italy. Among the participants are 31 Turkish citizens. Two observer vessels belonging to Open Arms and Greenpeace are also part of the flotilla.

^{Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

On 29 April 2026, Israeli naval forces began an intervention against the flotilla in international waters. On the same day at 18:43 UTC (21:43 Türkiye time), a source identifying itself as the Israel Navy issued a warning via the general international radio channel (channel 16), demanding that the flotilla change course.

^{Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla continuing their journey, as broadcast live, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Following the radio warning, it was reported that the flotilla’s communication systems were jammed. The jamming activities affected VHF maritime emergency (SOS) communications, VHF channels used for flotilla coordination, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Iridium satellite bands.

Activists aboard the flotilla reported that during the intervention, unmanned aerial vehicles flew over the vessels, some ships were targeted with lasers, and flare guns were fired. It was also stated that Israeli military boats approached the vessels, pointed semi-automatic weapons at them, and ordered participants to move to the front decks and kneel down.

The intervention took place in international waters approximately 45 nautical miles west of Crete, Greece, and about 600 nautical miles from Gaza. This location is farther from land than any previous flotilla intervention, which had occurred at approximately 72 nautical miles from shore. By 06:47 Türkiye time on 30 April 2026, it was confirmed that multiple vessels of the flotilla had been seized by Israel, and communications with these vessels were cut off.

According to initial information attributed to Israel Defense Forces Radio, seven vessels out of the flotilla’s 58 ships were detained by the Israeli Navy. However, in a subsequent statement by the Global Sumud Flotilla, it was reported that Israeli forces had intervened against 21 vessels in international waters and detained them. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a social media post, stated that “more than 20 vessels had resulted in the detention of approximately 175 activists”. International media later reported that the number of detained vessels had risen to 22.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla’s statement, Israeli forces damaged the engines and navigation systems of some vessels before withdrawing from the area. The same statement indicated that 17 vessels from the flotilla had successfully passed through the Israeli intervention and entered Greek territorial waters, while 14 others were en route toward Greek territorial waters.

It was reported that the vessel named “Tam Tam” suffered mechanical failure during the intervention and was abandoned in open sea, but that the crew and activists aboard were in good health.

Global Sumud Flotilla spokesperson Gur Tsabar characterized the Israeli intervention as “a direct armed attack on unarmed civilian vessels in international waters”. The flotilla’s statements described the intervention as “an attempt by Israel to normalize its control over the Mediterranean” and “piracy in international waters”.

In a statement by Greenpeace International, all governments were called upon to uphold international law, and a safe passage for the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was demanded.

On 30 April 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye issued a written statement declaring that “the attack by Israeli forces on the Global Sumud Flotilla, established to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters constitutes an act of piracy.” The statement further emphasized that the intervention violated international law and the principle of freedom of navigation, and called on the international community to adopt a unified stance.

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Numan Kurtulmuş, in a social media statement, characterized the intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla as “a pirate attack occurring in international waters”. In his statement, Kurtulmuş added: “This barbaric act by Zionist Israeli terror forces, targeting law, humanity, and conscience, cannot be justified under any pretext. This attack is also an open war crime against humanity.”

Director of the Presidency of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, described the intervention as “an obvious violation of law and an unacceptable attack”, and stated: “Israel has demonstrated that it is engaged in piracy in international waters.” The statement also noted that the situation of Turkish citizens aboard the flotilla was being monitored in coordination with relevant countries.

Arturo Scotto, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy and a Member of the Democratic Party (PD), responded on social media to the flotilla being stopped hundreds of nautical miles from Gaza in international waters. Scotto stated: “They stopped the Global Sumud Flotilla 700 miles from Gaza, in international waters, off the coast of Greece. History is repeating itself. This time, it is happening right here in Europe. Can such violence and such disregard for international law be tolerated?”

According to sources from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani issued directives through the ministry’s crisis desk following the incident. It was reported that Tajani instructed Italy’s embassies in Tel Aviv and Athens to contact Israeli and Greek authorities to obtain information on the scope of the operation and to take measures to protect Italian citizens aboard the vessels.

In a social media statement, former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis confirmed that Israeli ships and unmanned aerial vehicles had intervened against the flotilla near Crete and criticized the Greek government. In his statement, Varoufakis wrote: “The Greek government is either complicit or incapable of protecting our seas from Israel.”

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, responded to Israel’s intervention against the flotilla in international waters, stating that the action must be evaluated under international law. Albanese described the intervention as “borderless apartheid.”

In a written statement, Hamas described Israel’s intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla as “a crime and an act of piracy” and condemned the attack. The statement also called on the international community to take action to secure the immediate release of the detained activists.

In Greece, opposition parties criticized the government following the intervention and demanded that the Global Sumud Flotilla be allowed to pass unimpeded through Greece’s search-and-rescue zone. A statement by the New Left Party indicated that the intervention occurred off the coast of Crete and within Greece’s search-and-rescue zone; it further stated that party officials had contacted relevant ministers to urge the government to fulfill its responsibilities under maritime law and permit the flotilla’s passage.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in its statement, highlighted that the incident occurred in international waters and within Greece’s search-and-rescue zone, and demanded clarification on whether the government was aware of the event and what steps it had taken to protect civilians at sea. The statement also called for an end to strategic cooperation with Israel and recognition of the State of Palestine.

Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) characterized Israel’s intervention as “an unacceptable act of piracy conducted in international waters” and affirmed that it constituted a violation of international law. The statement criticized the Greek government’s response and called on international institutions, including the European Union, to take initiative against Israel’s actions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, held a telephone conversation on 30 April with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Yorgos Yerapetritis. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources, the conversation addressed Israel’s intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.

On the same day, a joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of 12 countries including Türkiye regarding the intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla. The statement included the following: “The foreign ministers of the Republic of Türkiye, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Spain, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, the Republic of the Maldives, the Republic of South Africa, and the State of Libya, strongly condemn the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful and civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing the international community’s attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”

The statement further noted that Israel’s attacks on the vessels and the unlawful detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute clear violations of international law and humanitarian law. The ministers expressed deep concern for the safety of the civilian activists and called on Israeli authorities to take immediate measures to release them. The statement added: “The ministers call upon the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for these violations.”

^{Protest against the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in Barcelona, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

On 30 April 2026, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) unanimously adopted the “Memorandum on the Armed Intervention by the Israeli Army Against the Global Sumud Flotilla”. The memorandum bears the signature of TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş.

The memorandum states that Israel violated international law and that the intervention targeted a peaceful and civilian initiative. The text includes the statement: “The Israeli army, which carried out the armed intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla, has obstructed humanitarian aid and detained 175 pro-Palestinian activists, 20 of whom are citizens of Türkiye.”

The memorandum further characterizes the intervention as “an act of piracy” and “an open war crime”, and calls for the immediate release of the detained activists and Turkish citizens. The TBMM affirms its solidarity with all detained individuals and all participants in the effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

^{Protest against the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in Barcelona, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

The memorandum states that the actions carried out by Israel must be pursued before international judicial bodies and calls on international parliaments, parliamentary assemblies, and organizations to adopt a unified stance. After the reading of the memorandum, representatives of political parties in the Assembly spoke in support, and the memorandum was adopted unanimously by vote.

The “Decision of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Regarding the Armed Intervention by the Israeli Army Against the Global Sumud Flotilla” was published in the Official Gazette on 1 May 2026.

The Israeli intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters has been protested through demonstrations in various countries around the world. Protests took place in Greece, Germany, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Palestine, and Türkiye.

^{Thousands protest in Italy against Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

In Athens, Greece, a protest was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized by the group “March to Gaza Greece.” Participants expressed their opposition to the intervention against the flotilla. The group’s statement emphasized that the intervention occurred off the coast of Crete and within Greece’s search-and-rescue zone, criticized the Greek authorities’ response, and called for solidarity demonstrations across the country. Protesters chanted pro-Palestine slogans and emphasized that the flotilla must continue its journey to Gaza.

In Berlin, Germany, demonstrators gathered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest the intervention. Slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine,” “Israel is bombing, Germany is financing,” “German weapons, German money, killings around the world,” and “Stop the killings and the war” were raised. Speeches emphasized that the intervention occurred in international waters and called on European countries to take a clear stance, demand the release of detained activists, and end the situation in Gaza.

^{Thousands protest in Italy against Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 30 April 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

In Warsaw, Poland, demonstrators gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy and called for “SOS for Palestine! SOS for the Flotilla!” They carried Palestinian flags and banners, chanted slogans, and demanded that the Polish government take diplomatic action against Israel. Speeches emphasized that the flotilla was carrying out a mission of humanitarian aid and solidarity. One speaker stated: “This movement will continue until Palestine is free. We are here, and this embassy will continue to hear us.”

In Spain, in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Málaga, Vigo, San Sebastián, and Zaragoza, hundreds of people protested against Israel. Slogans such as “Killers of Israel,” “Stop Israel’s genocide,” and “Long live Palestine” were raised. The Barcelona City Council adopted a resolution stating: “The Catalan autonomous government demands that the Spanish government and the European Union guarantee the release of those detained and take all necessary measures to protect the remaining members and vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla that have not yet been seized.”

In Utrecht, the Netherlands, demonstrators gathered at a train station, organized a march, and conducted a sit-in that temporarily disrupted urban transit. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop the genocide in Gaza,” “Boycott Israel,” “Ceasefire is a lie,” and “Help break the blockade”, and chanted “Free Palestine”. At the protest held on the shore of the Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza, participants carried signs reading “Pride sails cannot be broken,” “Attack is the fuel of the journey,” “We resist, we continue,” and “No retreat, toward the port”. Statements emphasized that the intervention violated international law and called for the prosecution of those responsible.

In Türkiye, in Istanbul and Ankara, protest demonstrations were held. In Istanbul, a march was organized from Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Camii to the Israeli Consulate General.

A welcome ceremony was held at Istanbul Airport for activists from the Global Sumud Fleet who were released following an intervention conducted by Israel in international waters. The activists were greeted by family members civil society representatives and some official authorities in the airport’s VIP lounge.

Following the welcome ceremony Beheşti İsmail Songür a member of the fleet’s board of directors issued a press statement offering an assessment of the events. The ceremony served both to inform the public and to demonstrate support for the activists.

Upon arriving in Istanbul the activists were transferred to the Presidency of the Forensic Medicine Institution. At the institution located in Bahçelievler they underwent medical examinations.

It was reported that the activists left the Forensic Medicine Institution after completing all procedures. This process was carried out to officially document alleged physical effects and health conditions resulting from the intervention.

The Global Sumud Fleet announced that its official social media account used in its activities to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza had been subjected to a cyberattack. A statement posted on the fleet’s account on the US-based X platform indicated that the account had been compromised by unauthorized individuals in the evening. The statement further noted that during the attack false and contextually inappropriate content targeting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was disseminated.

The fleet’s statement included an apology to the Turkish people and to the President due to the nature of the content and expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s support of the fleet its stance against interventions in international waters and its legal initiatives concerning the Palestinian issue. The statement also confirmed that cybersecurity protocols had been strengthened a comprehensive investigation into the source of the attack had been launched and all necessary measures had been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Israel announced that it had brought two activists detained during its intervention against the Global Sumud Fleet which had set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. In a statement by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs it was claimed that these individuals were associated with the Palestinian People’s Conference Abroad which is alleged to have links to Hamas.

The statement indicated that activists Seyf Abu Kishk and Thiago Avila had been brought to Israel and would be able to meet with consular representatives from their home countries. Israeli authorities had previously stated that these activists would be brought to Israel for questioning.

Activists who participated in the Global Sumud Fleet provided detailed accounts of Israel’s intervention in international waters. Australian doctor Bianca Webb-Pullman stated that Israeli soldiers boarded the vessels pointing weapons and took control of the passengers. Webb-Pullman described the events as follows:

“They bound everyone’s hands and then took us onto a naval vessel. There they kept us in stress positions forcing us to kneel on the ground for long periods. Then they placed us in a yard filled with shipping containers assigning 45 people to each container. We had no blankets.”

Webb-Pullman also alleged that when protests were raised over the refusal to release some fleet members the soldiers escalated their actions and used physical force. Webb-Pullman emphasized that the international community must assume responsibility for such interventions and criticized Israel’s military activities in the region.

American retired emergency room physician John Francis Reuwer also assessed the events during the intervention stating that individuals engaged in humanitarian work were treated as criminals. Reuwer said: “Today I witnessed people who show compassion for others’ suffering being treated as criminals.” He also reported that some individuals had been detained and taken to Israel.

British citizen Sijaad Hussain a participant in the fleet alleged that plastic bullets were used during Israel’s intervention and that several individuals were injured. Regarding the intervention which he described as taking place in international waters Hussain stated:

“We were carrying humanitarian aid and heading toward Gaza. They attacked us in international waters well before reaching Crete which is neither their territory nor their jurisdiction.”

Hussain described how naval forces boarded the vessels forced activists onto another ship and held them under harsh conditions. “They attacked us with plastic bullets. People were injured. They boarded our boats and took us to a large container ship where they confined us. It was extremely cold at night and we were very uncomfortable.”

Hussain also noted that some activists remain detained and called on the international community to act urging his willingness to rejoin the fleet.

According to a statement issued on 3 May by the human rights and legal organization Adalah, the Ashkelon (Ascalon) Magistrates Court has decided to extend the detention period of activists Thiago Avila and Seyf Abu Kishk until 5 May 2026.

According to the statement the Israeli prosecution requested the extension of the activists’ detention periods on grounds including “aiding the enemy during wartime” “contact with a foreign agent” “membership in and service to a terrorist organization” and “transfer of property to a terrorist organization.” The court ruled to extend the detention period by two days in response to the prosecution’s request for a four-day extension.

During the hearing Adalah lawyers argued that the detention and trial process was “legally flawed and unlawful” and stated that Israel has no legal authority to apply its domestic law to foreign nationals detained in international waters. The statement further indicated that the charges brought against the activists were intended to obstruct humanitarian aid activities.

The same statement reported that the activists stated they had been subjected to treatment including beatings isolation and being held with their eyes bound at sea. The activists detained at the Shikma detention center in Ashkelon have begun and are continuing a hunger strike to protest the conditions they are enduring.

Following the intervention on 29 April, the fleet entered a reorganization process off the coast of Greece’s island of Crete. Antonis Faras, an organizer of the activist group “March to Gaza Greece,” told Agence France-Presse on 5 May 2026 from Syros that the intervention revealed Greece’s “systematic cooperation” with Israel and that this situation must end.

Faras stated that activists detained off Crete were brought to the island with the support of the Greek Coast Guard, emphasizing that this was not a gesture of goodwill but the result of international pressure. Faras stressed that despite the attack, the fleet remained determined to proceed and announced plans for five vessels to depart from Greece carrying approximately 50 people.

Anna Lagonikos, a member of the fleet’s medical team, said that after Israel’s intervention, damage occurred on some vessels and delays affected the planned schedule. Lagonikos noted that time was needed to repair the damage and emphasized that activists released from Crete were ready to return to the ships.

According to the human rights and legal organization Adalah, two activists forcibly detained and taken into Israel during the intervention—Seyf Ebu Kişk (Said Abukeshek), a dual Spanish and Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila—were subjected to severe physical abuse and faced death threats during interrogation. The activists were reportedly held at a detention center in Ashkelon, Israel.

On 5 May 2026, an Israeli court extended the detention of Thiago Avila and Seyf Ebu Kişk by six days until 10 May 2026. Adalah lawyers filed an appeal, arguing that the activists had been unlawfully detained in international waters and that neither the Israeli judiciary nor its police had jurisdiction over the matter. Adalah reported that Israeli Prison Service officials explicitly threatened to punish Avila for making a victory sign as he entered the courtroom during his first hearing and that he was later forced to keep his hands behind his back during the final hearing.

Adalah lawyer Hadel Ebu Salih revealed that Ebu Kişk had begun a hunger strike and stopped drinking water, while Avila was punished by having all his personal belongings and blanket confiscated following his statements about Israel’s abusive treatment.

Adalah’s appeal filed on 6 May 2026 at the Beersheba (Be’er Sheva) District Court was rejected. The court accepted all arguments presented by the Israeli state and police and upheld the previous decision. Lawyer Ebu Salih stated, “Allowing Israeli forces to continue these unlawful arrests is extremely alarming from a legal standpoint. This sets a precedent legitimizing such detentions of international citizens.”

On the same date, 24 members of the European Parliament (EP) sent a joint letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. The letter stated that the attack on the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters constituted a clear violation of the principle of freedom of navigation and could be considered an act of piracy.

EP members emphasized that the seizure of the vessels and detention of activists was not an isolated incident but a serious escalation. The letter recalled that Ebu Kişk is a dual Spanish and Swedish citizen and highlighted the European Union’s obligation under Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to provide consular protection to its citizens. The letter also called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement under Article 2, which requires respect for human rights and democratic principles as a fundamental condition.

UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese, speaking to journalists in Madrid on 6 May 2026, described the continued detention of Ebu Kişk and Avila as a “crime” and urged EU countries to “apply all necessary pressure” for their immediate release. Albanese stated, “Israel went 1,000 kilometers beyond its coast to abduct people who never traveled to Israel.” She also affirmed that Israeli prisons are “torture centers,” a fact she said she had documented.

On 8 May 2026, UN special rapporteurs issued a joint written statement declaring, “We demand the immediate release of the Global Sumud Fleet activists unlawfully detained in international waters. We are deeply concerned about their capture in international waters and the reported severe mistreatment.”

The statement noted that despite the fleet being in a recognized search and rescue zone, Greek Coast Guard units failed to respond to repeated requests for assistance and allowed Israel’s intervention, raising concerns among European governments about possible complicity in a crime. It emphasized that the activists’ detention was unlawful both in terms of the circumstances of their capture and the charges brought against them, and called for the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained.

On 9 May 2026, the human rights and legal organization Adalah announced that Israeli Shin Bet (Shabak) officials had informed its lawyers that Thiago Avila and Seyf Ebu Kişk would be transferred to Israel’s immigration office that day for release. The statement noted that both activists, detained in international waters, were expected to be deported in the coming days. It also recalled that the activists had been seized from an Italian-flagged vessel and reminded that the Italian government had condemned Israel’s unlawful attack.

After being forcibly detained for 10 days and undertaking a hunger strike, Seyf Ebu Kişk was released on 10 May 2026 and arrived in Barcelona, where he lives with his family. At Barcelona El Prat Airport, he was greeted by his family, friends, and pro-Palestine activists chanting “Free Palestine.” Kişk declared, “Our journey has only just begun. I will soon repack my bags and join my friends in Türkiye.” Kişk, who also holds Swedish citizenship, expressed shame over the Swedish government’s stance.

On 11 May 2026, Kişk held a press conference at the headquarters of the Catalan alternative union Intersindical Alternativa in Barcelona, announcing that he would initiate legal proceedings against Israel for his abduction and detention.

Four vessels belonging to the Freedom Fleet Coalition departed from the port of Siracusa, Italy, on 2 May 2026. Global Sumud Fleet officials reported on 6 May 2026 that these vessels were continuing their journey through Greek territorial waters between the Peloponnese and Crete. The same statement noted that 32 vessels of the Global Sumud Fleet were coordinating their positions south of Crete and that the fleet’s operational plan would be clarified in the coming hours. It was also reported that preparations for vessels in Marmaris were largely complete and that activists were undergoing training.

Following the 29 April intervention, the Global Sumud Fleet was reorganized in preparation for its second phase. Activists, having completed logistical preparations in Marmaris, Muğla, held technical meetings with captains. Following these meetings, portions of the fleet set sail from Aktaş and Albatros Marina on 14 May 2026, entering the Mediterranean Sea. The fleet included members of the Global Sumud Fleet’s Board of Directors Sümeyra Akdeniz Ordu, Dr. Imane el Makhloufi, Said Abukeshek, Ko Tinmaung, and Nathalia Maria, along with numerous activists from 70 countries. Mahmut Arslan, General Secretary of HAK-İŞ, also joined the fleet aboard one of the vessels. Marmaris District Governor Nurullah Kaya visited the marina before departure to monitor preparations on-site.

According to radar data on the fleet’s website, the fleet that departed from Marmaris continued its journey toward Gaza with 54 vessels. As of 16 May 2026, the fleet, carrying approximately 500 activists from 45 countries, was sailing off the coasts of Kaş and Kumluca in Antalya. Additionally, five vessels from the Freedom Fleet Coalition, carrying 37 participants from 13 countries, continued their journey through the Mediterranean. These countries included Canada, France, Belgium, Australia, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Italy, South Korea, the United States, Denmark, Greece, and Albania.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the fleet remained anchored off Antalya for a period; on 17 May 2026, as conditions improved, the 54 vessels and 426 participants resumed their voyage toward Gaza.

The fleet includes activists from 39 countries besides Türkiye: Germany, the United States, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, Finland, France, South Africa, Croatia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Egypt, Mauritania, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Chile, Tunisia, Oman, Vietnam, and New Zealand. According to fleet officials, on 17 May the vessels were approximately 310 nautical miles from Gaza.

Simultaneous with the sea fleet, a land convoy along the North African route was organized. The Sumud Land Convoy completed its preparations in the town of Zawiya, approximately 40 kilometers from Tripoli, Libya. The convoy includes over 350 activists from 30 countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Türkiye, Indonesia, China, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. It also carries 50 containers—30 containing humanitarian aid and 20 mobile homes—and five ambulances. The activists aim to cross from Libya into Egypt and reach the Gaza border.

The Benghazi government, appointed by Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives, announced on 14 May 2026 that only Libyan nationals would be permitted to cross the land border, in coordination with Egyptian authorities. The Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Egyptian officials had restricted border entry exclusively to Libyan citizens. The statement read: “Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirms that under these regulations and procedures, no individual failing to meet the above criteria will be permitted to cross within the Libyan government’s jurisdiction.”

Mervan bin Kattane, organizer of the Algerian delegation in the convoy, expressed the determination of all activists to continue: “If they want names, we will provide lists. If they want passport copies or photos, we will provide them. If they have concerns about certain individuals, we can remove them. But we truly want the convoy to proceed to its end.”

The convoy departed from Zawiya, west of Tripoli, on 15 May 2026. After approximately 5.5 hours of waiting for security forces to complete passport checks, it resumed its journey near Zliten, 140 kilometers west of Tripoli.

On 16 May 2026, the convoy reached Misrata in western Libya, where it was welcomed by large crowds of Libyans waving Palestinian and Libyan flags.

As of 17 May 2026, the convoy remained stranded for over 20 hours near Sirte, the city through which it plans to enter eastern Libya. Hayati Arslan, responsible for Turkish activists in the convoy, told Agence France-Presse that they had reached the vicinity of Sirte and that negotiations were ongoing with authorities in eastern Libya to allow the convoy to proceed.

On 18 May 2026, the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Desk announced that it had detected “unidentified drone and military activity around the fleet.” Fleet officials told Agence France-Presse that the vessels were continuing their journey from the waters off Antalya toward Gaza and had entered international waters.

The Israeli press reported that Israel’s military was preparing to intervene against the Sumud Fleet, which had resumed its voyage toward Gaza with 54 vessels and 426 participants after being anchored off Antalya due to weather conditions. The newspaper Maariv reported that Israeli naval vessels, including Super Dvora-class patrol boats, boats from the Shayetet 13 Naval Commando Unit, and a landing ship had set sail for the intervention.

An unnamed Israeli military official speaking to Yedioth Ahronot threatened that soldiers might use non-lethal weapons during the intervention.

Israeli state television KAN reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would hold a security meeting to discuss plans to “seize” the Global Sumud Fleet. It was noted that Netanyahu would authorize the military to attack the fleet to seize it. The report stated that Israel would “not allow the maritime blockade to be broken” and that the operation would take place “in the coming hours.” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a written statement affirming that the Tel Aviv administration would “not allow the maritime blockade of Gaza to be broken.”

On the same day, the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Desk announced that “two warships had been sighted near the vessels in the Mediterranean and communication had been lost with one vessel that was being harassed by Israel’s military.”

In the early morning hours of 18 May, the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table announced the detection of unidentified drone and military activity around the fleet. Fleet officials stated in their statement that the vessels were continuing their journey from the waters off Antalya toward Gaza and had entered international waters.

The Israeli press reported that the Global Sumud Fleet, having weighed anchor off Antalya due to weather conditions and now sailing again toward Gaza with 54 vessels and 426 participants, was preparing for an Israeli military intervention in the coming hours. According to the newspaper Maariv, Israeli naval assault boats, Super Dvora-class patrol boats, vessels belonging to the Shayetet 13 Naval Commando Unit, and a landing ship were reported to have set sail for intervention. An unnamed Israeli military official speaking to Yedioth Ahronot threatened that soldiers would use "non-lethal weapons" during the intervention.

On the Israeli state television channel KAN, it was reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would hold a security meeting during which plans to attack the Global Sumud Fleet and "seize" it would be discussed. It was noted that Netanyahu would authorize the military to seize the fleet. The report stated that Israel would not allow the maritime blockade of Gaza to be broken and that the attack would occur in the coming hours. A written statement from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also affirmed that the Tel Aviv administration would not permit the breach of the maritime blockade on Gaza.

Later that day, the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table announced that "two warships had been sighted around the vessels in the Mediterranean and contact had been lost with one vessel that was harassed by the Israeli military".

^{Israel intervenes against the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters, 18 May 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

On the morning of 18 May, the Israeli military launched an attack in international waters of the Mediterranean to seize the Global Sumud Fleet. The Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table announced that two warships had been sighted near the fleet off the coast of Cyprus and shared videos showing Israeli military assault boats approaching and harassing some vessels. Israeli media also reported that the intervention had begun.

Some activists on board the vessels, in live broadcasts, were seen throwing their phones into the sea and raising their hands as Israeli soldiers approached. Crisis Table officials reported that Israeli soldiers had boarded several vessels and that contact had been lost with many vessels in the fleet located 250 nautical miles from Gaza. Live broadcasts from the vessels were also cut off during the intervention.

Crisis Table officials announced that Israel had unlawfully detained 39 vessels. Among these vessels from the Global Sumud Fleet are: "Cactus", "Zio Faster", "Holy Blue", "Furleto", "Amanda", "Blue Toys", "Barbaros", "Isobella", "Josef", "Vincovolo", "Bianca ITA", "Abodes", "Gotico", "Sadabad", "Themis", "Amazon", "Belella", "Bye Lubie", "Iridescence", "Jandabar", "La Cirena", "Marilyn", "Özgürlük", "Umut", "Bora Alize", "Last Dream", "Atlantic Blue", "Venus", "Rim", "Peluxo", "Azur", "Nablus", "İsias", "Diabolo", and "Liara". In addition, the vessels "Kyriakos", "Tenaz", "Adalah", and "Perseverence" belonging to the Freedom Fleet Coalition, which was advancing in the Mediterranean to break the Gaza blockade, were also reported to have been unlawfully detained by Israel.

Israeli media reported that 100 individuals from the fleet had been unlawfully detained, with activists to be transferred first to a ship converted into a prison and then transported to Ashdod (Usdud) Port in southern Israel.

According to officials from the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table, among the 66 Turkish citizens unlawfully detained by the Israeli military in international waters are the following names: Arif Yılmaz, Erol Büyük, Hüseyin Kılıç, Mehmet Harput, Mehmet Sait İspir, Orhan Kara, Rahim Mercan, Abdulmecid Bağcivan, Muhammed Huzeyfe Küçükaytef, Sinan Akılotu, Bilali Yıldırım, Fatma Zengin, Sibel Dugan, Enver Öztürk, Hakan Kaya, Hüseyin Yılmaz, Ümmügülsüm Durmuş, Bilal Kıtay, Mirac Üstün, Selçuk Arkın, Feyzullah Keskin, Onur Şafak Hürufuk, Abdulhamit Yağmurcu, Harun Uyar, İbrahim İshak, Tahsin Ünlü, Veysel Genç, Emrullah Demir, Muhammed Ensar Aslan, Mustafa Güzyaka, Mustafa Şimşek, Tunç Yılmaz, Validin Asaf, Yasin Yalçın, Zeynel Abidin Özkan, Semih Ensar Bahadır, Ayşenur Levent Albayrak, İhsan Yıldız, Mehmet Şevki Bulut, and Ömer Faruk Narlı.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke via radio with the commander of the Israeli unit that carried out the unlawful intervention against the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters. Netanyahu congratulated the Israeli soldiers and urged them to continue the intervention to its conclusion.

On 18 May 2026, the Global Sumud Fleet issued a written statement titled "Sea Racism in International Waters: Israel Fabricates the 'Turkish Vessel' Pretext to Legitimize Its Brutal Attack on the Civilian Fleet". The statement reported that, according to Israeli military sources on Channel 12, Israeli occupation forces planned to separate vessels by nationality, intending to seize "European vessels" before targeting "Turkish vessels", and had explicitly warned that their tactics this time would be "more aggressive" and that they would not provide emergency assistance to participants.

The fleet emphasized in its statement that there were no vessels flying the Turkish flag in the fleet and that the entire humanitarian aid fleet of 52 vessels sailed exclusively under European and international flags. The statement included the following: "The Israeli regime has once again begun leaking to the media a meticulously calculated, deeply racist operation based on lies, racial incitement, and disinformation. By declaring its intent to use 'more aggressive' methods against those it perceives as Turkish participants, the Israeli regime is once again openly exhibiting racism and dehumanization, just as it has done for nearly 80 years against the Palestinian people."

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement condemning the Israeli military’s intervention against the Global Sumud Fleet, which was established to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement read: "We condemn the Israeli military’s intervention in international waters, which constitutes a new act of piracy against the Global Sumud Fleet. The fleet includes citizens of approximately 40 countries. Israel’s attacks and assimilation policies cannot in any way obstruct the international community’s pursuit of justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people." The statement emphasized that Israel must immediately cease its intervention and unconditionally release all detained fleet participants. It was also stated that Turkey is taking necessary measures to ensure the safe return of its citizens on the fleet and is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with other countries. The international community was called upon to adopt a united and decisive stance without delay.

Director of Communications for the Presidency Burhanettin Duran strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the fleet in international waters in an English-language social media post. Duran stated: "This barbarism and baseness displayed by the Israeli government clearly violates human values, universal principles, and international law and is utterly unacceptable." He added: "Attacks on human rights defenders and targeting defenseless civilians constitute a direct assault on the collective conscience of humanity." Duran affirmed that relevant institutions are continuing all necessary efforts with utmost sensitivity to ensure the safe return of Turkish citizens and citizens of other countries aboard the fleet.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek condemned the intervention in the strongest terms, emphasizing that the attack on the civilian initiative involving citizens of approximately 40 countries constitutes a clear and grave violation of international law. Gürlek also recalled that an indictment had been prepared and accepted by the court in connection with Israel’s previous similar attack.

Minister of the Interior Mustafa Çiftçi declared: "We strongly condemn the despicable intervention carried out in international waters against the Global Sumud Fleet, which set out with hope to bring breath to our brothers in Gaza and carries citizens of approximately 40 countries."

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu strongly condemned the intervention; Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated: "This civilian formation, composed of activists from 70 countries, set out to deliver aid to our brothers enduring a severe blockade in Gaza." Deputy Chairman and Spokesperson of the AK Party Ömer Çelik declared: "The Global Sumud Fleet is the conscience and action of humanity." Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin also condemned the intervention in the strongest terms.

Prominent figure of the French party La France Insoumise (LFI) Jean-Luc Mélenchon stated that "the fleet resisting the genocide in Gaza has once again been blocked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s act of piracy." LFI member of the European Parliament Manon Aubry stated in her post that Netanyahu had blocked the fleet through a "new act of piracy" in violation of international law and reaffirmed her support for the Global Sumud Fleet, which refuses to remain indifferent to war crimes and genocide in Palestine. MEP Emma Fourreau noted that the Global Sumud Fleet was blocked 466 kilometers from Gaza. LFI Deputy Chair of the National Assembly Mathilde Panot emphasized that they would not ignore the ongoing genocide in Gaza and stood alongside the Global Sumud Fleet, which acted "for the honor of humanity." MEP from Podemos Irene Montero posted: "Israel once again intercepted ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in the middle of the Mediterranean, and no one is doing anything about it."

Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares declared that Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Fleet was "illegal." Albares stated that Israel’s envoy in Spain, Dana Ehrlich, had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry on the morning of the attack and that the Spanish government had delivered a "formal and strong protest" against the detention, which it labeled as an "illegal intervention and a new violation of international law." The minister noted that the attacked fleet included 54 vessels, with approximately 500 people on board, nearly 45 of them Spanish. Podemos party leader Ione Belarra characterized the Israeli military’s attack on the fleet as "a new crime of a genocidal state."

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani stated that he was in contact with Israeli authorities regarding the safety of Italians on the fleet. Global Sumud Fleet Italian spokesperson Maria Elena Delia, speaking at a demonstration in Rome, reported that there were 35 Italians on the fleet and that two of the eight vessels flying the Italian flag had been detained, with seven or eight Italian activists possibly detained by the Israeli military. MEP Danilo Della Valle confirmed that among those detained was Five Star Movement MP Dario Carotenuto. Leaders of the Green and Left Alliance (AVS) Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni called on the Italian government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of the crew.

Twenty-six parliamentarians, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and member of the House of Lords John Hendy, issued a joint statement. The statement read: "We most strongly condemn Israel’s detention of the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters and the boarding of its vessels. A society is facing genocide. Targeting humanitarian aid and civilians, including British citizens, is a violation of international law. It is piracy and unacceptable." The signatory parliamentarians called on the British government to protect those on the fleet, ensure their safe passage, and halt the unlawful interventions blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In a written statement from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel’s intervention was described as a clear violation of international law, humanitarian values, and maritime security, aimed at sustaining the unjust blockade of the Gaza Strip. The statement called on the international community to "act decisively to compel Israel to open its borders, lift unlawful restrictions on aid entry, and provide necessary protection to the Palestinian people." It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists.

Malaysian Prime Minister Enver Ibrahim strongly condemned the Israeli military’s attack on the fleet and called for the immediate release of activists unlawfully detained. Enver, who stated that 16 Malaysian citizens were among those detained, said: "Pressure against the Palestinian people and those delivering humanitarian aid must end immediately, and Israel must confront its obligations to justice and accountability."

Irish President Catherine Connolly said she was proud that her sister, Margaret Connolly, was among the activists unlawfully detained by Israel on the Global Sumud Fleet. In a statement in London, Connolly said: "The incident appears to have occurred in international waters, which is a serious concern. I am proud of my sister but also worried." The Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant embassies and that consular services would be provided to detained Irish citizens.

In a statement from Hamas, it was stated that "the Israeli military’s terrorist attack on the Global Sumud Fleet, which set out to fulfill humanitarian and moral duties in support of Gaza and its besieged population, followed by the detention of activists, constitutes a full-fledged act of piracy." The statement called on the United Nations and the international community to condemn these actions and bring those responsible to justice.

General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa el-Bergusi emphasized that Israel’s attack on the fleet was another violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and stated that these attacks would only intensify the global solidarity movement’s determination to break the blockade of Gaza, which is suffering a brutal genocide.

Italian MEP Danilo Della Valle stated: "Those who speak out against the genocide in Gaza cannot be silenced by force. Israel must stop immediately." He also confirmed that he had sent a letter to the Italian government demanding the release of detained Italian citizens. Greek MEP Kostas Arvanitis characterized the attack as "piracy" and stressed that immediate sanctions must be imposed on the Israeli government and that the EU-Israel Association Agreement must be suspended.

UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to a question during the daily press briefing, said: "We want to ensure that all people on the fleet are unharmed. We want this to be resolved peacefully." Haq noted that the concerns the UN has consistently raised regarding interventions in international waters and similar situations apply to this attack.

Despite the intervention, some vessels in the fleet continued their journey toward Gaza. Fleet activist Asrın Tok said he had seen Israeli ships on the horizon for several hours but that no immediate threat existed: "We continue on our way to Gaza."

It was reported that as of 19 May 2026, the Global Sumud Fleet continued its journey in international waters. The fleet also announced that the vessel Family, which experienced an emergency due to technical failure while sailing in the Mediterranean, had been safely towed to the Turkish coast.

The statement thanked Turkish Coast Guard and other Turkish authorities for closely monitoring the situation and responding swiftly. It was announced that the vessel Family was expected to reach Adrasan Port after midnight.

The Global Sumud Fleet land convoy, traveling by road to break the Gaza blockade, has been stationary for one and a half days near the city of Sirte, just before entering eastern Libya. The convoy, which departed from the city of Zawiya west of Tripoli on 15 May, includes over 350 activists from 30 countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Türkiye, Indonesia, China, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The convoy also carries 20 containers of mobile homes, humanitarian supplies, medical equipment, and five ambulances destined for Gaza.

Turkish activist coordinator Hayati Arslan recalled that authorities in eastern Libya had previously stated they would not permit the passage of activists from outside Libya and would only allow humanitarian supplies to be handed over to the Libyan Red Crescent. Arslan stated that the activists had rejected this offer, insisting that the convoy would reach Gaza with all participants intact to break the blockade.

Journalist on the convoy Furkan Çalışkan confirmed that the convoy remained stationary near Sirte and that negotiations with authorities in eastern Libya were ongoing. Çalışkan noted that activists at the camp near Sirte had held a sit-in protest in solidarity with activists detained by Israel on the Global Sumud Fleet. Another member of the convoy, Hakan Şimşek, reported that the GSM network in the region had been cut off and that all communication was being maintained via satellite internet.

İbrahim Bahşi, Representative of Memur-Sen in Elazığ, stated: "Our goal is to break the blockade in Gaza, stand firm at the Refah Border Gate, and force it open." Moroccan activist Yusuf Aziz emphasized that the convoy had no political objective and that its sole aim was to deliver humanitarian supplies, medical equipment, and mobile homes to Gaza.

Israel forces conducted a large-scale armed intervention in international waters against the second maritime contingent of the Global Sumud Fleet, which aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. According to a statement from the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table, Israeli units directly aimed weapons and fired bullets at the vessels Munki, Kyrakos, Elengi, Giorama, Alcione and Zefiro, which were sailing in international waters toward Gaza.

During the initial phase of the attack, Turkish activist Ömer Aslan aboard the Giraloma vessel livestreamed the intervention. Israeli forces launched an armed assault on the vessel during the live broadcast. Following the attack, communication was lost with some of the vessels; it was reported that the vessels Sirius, Lina and Cabo Blanco continued on their course.

Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table stated that the vessel closest to Gaza, the Sirius, still had approximately 120 nautical miles to go and was carrying 347 participants from 40 countries. The statement indicated that the vessels Zefiro and Andros had been seized by Israeli forces, while the number of vessels continuing their journey was recorded as eight. It was estimated that the Cabo Blanco had 150 nautical miles remaining, the Lina had 157, the Elengi had 164, the Alcione had 167, the Don Juan had 168, the Girolama had 170, and the Kasrı Sadabat had 192 nautical miles remaining.

In the following hours, an Israeli naval vessel, seeking to stop the Sirius, the lead vessel of the Global Sumud Fleet, generated artificial waves through “military maneuvers” and sprayed high-pressure water, then physically rammed the stern of the vessel. The Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table emphasized in its statement that this intervention directly targeted the safety of the activists and crew aboard the vessel; it was noted that the Israeli naval vessel deliberately collided with the “civilian and unprotected” aid vessel to destabilize it and risk its sinking.

Ali Tokluman aboard the Sirius made his final phone contact with authorities during the intervention, characterizing Israel’s deployment of three warships against a seven-meter vessel as “a posture as if going to war.” Tokluman emphasized that he would resist until the end, when communication was severed as the Israeli navy began using high-pressure water against the vessel. The Crisis Table’s statement included the following: “Israel’s dangerous intervention is an outright act of piracy. Our satellite connection was severed by the collision. The fate of the activists is unknown.”^.

Global Sumud Fleet’s vessel “Family”, which suffered mechanical failure, was brought into Turkish territorial waters by Turkish Coast Guard units and docked at a marina in the Finike district of Antalya.

Among the activists aboard the vessel, Global Sumud Fleet Board Member Sümeyra Akdeniz Ordu stated that there were 27 people on board, including 14 health workers from Argentina, Egypt, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Tunisia, Morocco and Mexico.

Ordu described the “Family” vessel as a “Gazi vessel” and stated: “It was the first vessel bombed while we were at Tunis Port. Therefore, it holds great spiritual value for us. Our aim is to continue using this vessel as much as possible for the cause of Palestine and to appeal to public opinion. We will of course set sail again toward Gaza.”

Global Sumud Fleet expressed gratitude to Türkiye authorities, particularly the Turkish Coast Guard, for their swift intervention throughout the process.

In the later hours of 19 May, the Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table announced that the Israeli military had conducted unlawful interventions against all vessels in the fleet in international waters, detaining the activists. The Crisis Table noted that the last vessel to be intercepted was the “Lina Al-Nabulsi”, highlighting that the vessel’s name commemorates a Palestinian student killed while wearing her school uniform by Israeli occupation forces.

Israel forces seized a total of 50 vessels carrying 428 activists from 44 countries during their unlawful interventions in international waters; 78 of the participants were Turkish. The detained vessels and activists were taken to Ashdod Port, located in southern Israel.

In an article published by Haaretz titled “Why is Israel so afraid of small civilian sailing vessels heading to Gaza?”, attention was drawn to the anxiety the fleet generated in Tel Aviv. The article emphasized that the true power of the Global Sumud Fleet lies in its ability to “forcefully redirect attention back to Gaza” at a time when governments are making the ongoing catastrophe seem routine. The article underscored that the unlawful Israeli intervention was directed not against a “major military threat” but against a fleet of civilian vessels that are “relatively easy to stop,” concluding with the question: “If a small civilian fleet carrying activists can trigger military mobilization, prime ministerial praise, and national security rhetoric, then the question to ask is: Why is Israel so afraid?”

United Nations (UN) Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded to a question regarding Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Fleet during a daily press briefing: “We are concerned about the situation, we are very concerned for the safety of everyone on board, they must be protected and kept safe, and international law must be respected on the high seas.” When asked whether the attack violated international law, Dujarric replied: “We do not have all the details of how the attack was carried out, but it does not resemble an action conducted with full respect for international law.”

Italy Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani urgently requested confirmation from Tel Aviv regarding the armed attack on the Global Sumud Fleet. A statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted: “To date, the Israeli military has detained 27 Italian citizens. The vessels are expected to arrive at Ashdod Port.”

Global Sumud Fleet Italian Spokesperson Maria Elena Delia stated in a video message on social media: “The Israeli navy is firing bullets whose nature—whether real or plastic—we do not know. Six vessels were hit. One of them is the Girolama, flying the Italian flag. Even if the bullets are plastic, this is an extremely grave situation. They are already committing crimes, and now they are adding the use of weapons to it.”

Member of the European Parliament for the opposition party Five Star Movement (M5S), Danilo Della Valle, reported that he had not heard from Italian Chamber of Deputies member Dario Carotenuto, who was aboard the fleet, for several hours, expressing concern that he may have been detained by Israel.

Mexico Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Alvarez, in a social media statement, demanded that Israel authorities respect the human rights of two detained Mexican citizens, asserting that their physical integrity, dignified treatment and access to consular officials must be guaranteed under international law.

A statement from South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation condemned the abduction of South African citizens in international waters, noting with deep concern reports that they may face detention or imprisonment.

Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters and the detention of activists as a “war crime” and “full-fledged maritime piracy.” The ministry’s statement asserted that Israel’s intervention sought to conceal the “genocide, starvation policy and siege” in Gaza, and emphasized that the attack constituted a serious violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as international humanitarian law and human rights principles. The ministry called on the UN, the European Union (EU), and international human rights organizations to impose deterrent sanctions on Israel, lift the blockade on Gaza, and immediately release the activists.

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that all 430 activists aboard the Global Sumud Fleet had been detained and transferred onto Israeli naval vessels. The ministry stated that the vessels carrying the activists were heading toward Israel and suggested that the activists could meet with representatives of their home countries’ consulates in Israel.

The human rights and legal organization Adalah confirmed that the activists were being taken to Ashdod Port in Israel, stating: “Participants of the fleet, including international activists, human rights defenders and volunteer health workers, are being brought to Ashdod Port.”

The organization emphasized in its statement that the military interception of civilian vessels, the forced transfer of foreigners to Israel against their will, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to the besieged population constitute a “serious violation of international law.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered the “immediate deportation” of the Global Sumud Fleet activists detained in violation of international law. Netanyahu asserted that Israel has the right to prevent the Global Sumud Fleet from reaching Gaza.

The number of detained Turkish citizens rose to 74. The names of the Turkish activists are as follows: Arif Yılmaz, Erol Büyük, Hüseyin Kılıç, Mehmet Harput, Mehmet Sait İspir, Orhan Kara, Rahim Mercan, Abdulmecid Bağçıvan, Muhammed Huzeyfe Küçükaytekın, Sinan Akılotu, Abdullah Aydın, Ayhan Samuk, Ercan Tokcan, Eyyüp Dağlı, Mehmet Şirin, Bilali Yıldırım, Fatma Zengin, Sibel Dugan, Ferzan Çiftçi, Ahmet Cenk Aslan, Asrın Fahrettin Tok, Emine Şeyma Denli Yalvaç, Erdem Özveren, Ersoy Önen, Hüseyin Talha Yaman, Mehmet Yıldırım, Enver Öztürk, Hakan Kaya, Hüseyin Yılmaz, Ümmügülsüm Durmuş, Bilal Kıtay, Mirac Üstün, Selçuk Arkın, Haşim Şamil Kısa, Ahmet Söylemez, Ömer Onay, Usame Zarif, Abdullah Saydemir, Fatih Genç, Engin Doğan, Ferhat Çalışye, İbrahim Duran, Muhammed Salih Dallı, Muhammet Hamza Karadayı, Niyazi Deniz, Özkan Özer, Recep Köse, Fatih Varol, Feyzullah Keskin, Onur Şafak Hürufuk, Abdulhamit Yağmurcu, Harun Uyar, İbrahim İshak, Tahsin Ünlü, Veysel Genç, Emrullah Demir, Muhammed Ensar Aslan, Mustafa Güzyaka, Mustafa Şimşek, Tunç Yılmaz, Validin Asaf, Yasin Yalçın, Zeynel Abidin Özkan, Abdullah Harun Albayrak, Baki Öncel, Enes Harman, Erdinç Gülay, Murat Topşir, Özkan Dilmeç, Semih Ensar Bahadır, Ayşenur Levent Albayrak, İhsan Yıldız, Mehmet Şevki Bulut and Ömer Faruk Narlı.

On 20 May, the vessels carrying the detained activists arrived at Ashdod Port. Numerous activists were seen inside a tent with Israeli flags flying, their hands bound behind their backs, lying face down on the ground. In an area filled with masked Israeli police, some activists were taken to another section with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Videos also showed activists being forced to listen to Hebrew songs through loudspeakers.

Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the detention area at Ashdod Port and shared images on his social media account showing Israeli security forces mistreating the activists. In the footage, a female activist shouted “Free Palestine” as Ben-Gvir passed by, and Israeli police violently subdued her, forcing her to the ground. During this, Ben-Gvir was heard saying: “This is how it must be done.”

It was observed that Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag at the detention site and shouted “Long live Israel” to provoke the activists. In the images he shared with the message “Welcome to Israel,” the activists were seen kneeling in groups with their hands cuffed at the port.

The human rights and legal organization Adalah announced that the Global Sumud Fleet activists detained unlawfully by the Israeli military in international waters and brought to Israel had been subjected to intense physical violence, sexual harassment and mistreatment. The organization stated that due to restrictions imposed by Israel, its lawyers were unable to meet with all detained activists, but that nearly all of them had begun to be transferred to Ketziot Prison after initial procedures were completed.

The statement noted that the activists were scheduled to appear in court the following day as part of deportation proceedings, and emphasized that Israel had unlawfully detained 428 activists, all of whom must be immediately and unconditionally released. It was recorded that the violence inflicted by Israel forces had caused at least three activists to be hospitalized, and that they were discharged after receiving treatment. Dozens of activists were reported to be experiencing difficulty breathing due to suspected rib fractures.

Adalah’s statement reported that Israeli soldiers frequently attacked activists with electroshock devices and injured them with plastic bullets during and after their unlawful intervention on the fleet. It was stated that activists transferred onto Israeli naval vessels were held for prolonged periods in stress positions, forced to walk bent forward during transit to Ashdod Port, and physically pushed down by Israeli forces pressing on their backs. It was also recorded that some female activists had their headscarves forcibly removed by Israeli forces.

The Global Sumud Fleet Crisis Table issued a statement regarding the Israeli military’s intervention against the “Barbaros” vessel, noting that activist Mecid Bağçıvan was injured in his leg as a result of “Israeli soldiers’ plastic bullet intervention” during the unlawful operation.

The statement confirmed that Bağçıvan was unlawfully detained by Israel and taken to Ashdod Port, adding: “Although taken to a medical center in Ashdod, he refused medical treatment in Israeli hospitals.”

Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir engaged in a public dispute on social media over the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists. Ben-Gvir’s visit to the detention site at Ashdod Port and his sharing of images showing security forces mistreating activists drew a sharp response from Minister Saar.

Saar, quoting Ben-Gvir’s post, stated: “You have deliberately and knowingly damaged our country’s image with this shameful spectacle. And this is not the first time. No, you are not the face of Israel.”

Far-right National Security Minister Ben-Gvir accused Saar of “bowing to terrorism supporters,” stating: “We expect Saar to understand that Israel is no longer a lapdog.” Ben-Gvir defended his position by asserting that anyone who comes to Israel to “support terrorism and show solidarity with Hamas” will “get slapped,” continuing to provoke the Global Sumud Fleet activists on social media.

Israel Minister of Transport Miri Regev defended the treatment of the detained activists, asserting that their proper place was “in prison.” Regev argued that this was the appropriate response to those attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. In a video message, Regev stated that preparations were underway to ensure that the first thing approximately 140 activists would hear upon arriving at the port was Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah.” Regev claimed that the activists sought to harm Israel’s sovereignty and break the maritime blockade on Gaza, adding: “The place for terrorism supporters is prison. Of course we will return them to their countries of origin.” Regev also described the Israeli navy’s seizure of the fleet vessels in the middle of the sea as a “successful operation.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Ben-Gvir’s attempts to provoke activists at Usdud Port “do not align with Israel’s values and norms.”

Following the publication on social media of images by Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing the mistreatment of activists, strong reactions emerged from many countries on 20 May 2026.

Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “We condemn the verbal and physical violence inflicted by an Israeli minister against participants of the Global Sumud Fleet, who were unlawfully intercepted in international waters.” The ministry noted that it was coordinating with other countries to demand the immediate and safe release of detained Turkish citizens and other fleet participants, and emphasized that efforts would continue with determination to achieve results as soon as possible.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters and the unlawful detention of activists, stating: “The binding of activists’ hands, their humiliation and exposure to psychological pressure is a situation no person of conscience can accept. I call on the Israel government to immediately abandon these practices that disregard international law, release all detained activists without delay, and act in accordance with human rights.”

Director of Presidential Communications Burhanettin Duran stated regarding the verbal and physical violence by an Israeli minister against detained Global Sumud Fleet participants: “The barbarity of this Israeli minister toward activists has found its place in the dark pages of history. The detained volunteers must be returned safely to their countries.”

AK Party Deputy General Chairman and Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated that the Sumud Fleet represents human dignity and added: “We condemn the verbal and physical violence inflicted by a minister belonging to a ‘genocide organization’ against Sumud Fleet participants. Humanity will ultimately hold this genocide network accountable before the law.”

France Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot announced that he had summoned the country’s ambassador to Israel in response to the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists detained by Israel. Barrot stated: “The actions of Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which have drawn criticism from his colleagues in the Israel government, toward passengers of the Global Sumud Fleet are unacceptable.” He confirmed that he had ordered the summoning of Israel’s Ambassador to Paris, Joshua Zarka, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express outrage and demand explanations, adding: “The safety of our citizens remains our constant priority. Whatever our views on this fleet and however often we have criticized its methods, our citizens must be treated with respect and released immediately.”

Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated: “Israel’s treatment of Sumud Fleet activists has reached inhuman and unacceptable levels. I have also spoken with Israel President Isaac Herzog. The Netherlands expects the immediate release of these activists.” Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen also declared that Ben-Gvir’s attitude toward activists was “in no way acceptable” and “incompatible with fundamental values,” and announced that he would summon the Israeli Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Germany’s Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Steffen Seibert, stated that Ben-Gvir’s attitude toward Global Sumud Fleet activists was “in no way acceptable” and “incompatible with fundamental values.”

Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani issued statements regarding the images shared by Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Meloni stated: “The images of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are unacceptable. The mistreatment of these activists, many of whom are Italian citizens, which disregards human dignity, is an intolerable situation.” A statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that, on Minister Tajani’s instructions, the Ministry’s Secretary General, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, had summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Rome, Jonathan Peled, demanding the immediate release of all detained Italian citizens and their swift return to Italy. Italy also emphasized that it had publicly demanded an apology for the treatment of these activists.

United Kingdom Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvette Cooper stated: “This situation violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in how human beings must be treated.” Cooper emphasized that contact had been established with families of some British citizens involved in the incident and that the Israel authorities had been asked for clarification.

Ireland Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee stated: “The images show that participants of the Global Sumud Fleet, including Irish citizens, have been unlawfully detained and not treated with any dignity or respect.” McEntee confirmed that Ireland had dispatched its Ambassador to Tel Aviv to address the issue and assured that all activists and their families would receive the necessary assistance and consular support.

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated: “The images of Israel National Security Minister Ben-Gvir humiliating members of the international fleet supporting Gaza are unacceptable. We will show no tolerance to anyone who mistreats our citizens.” Sanchez recalled Spain’s ban on entry into Spanish national territory imposed in September 2025 against Israeli minister Ben-Gvir and declared: “Now we will call on Brussels to urgently elevate these sanctions to the European level.”

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares, following a meeting with the German Chancellor, described Ben-Gvir’s verbal and physical violence against activists as “savage,” stating: “This is a disgusting and shameful treatment. It is savage, and I demand a public apology from Israel.” Albares also announced that the Israeli Ambassador to Spain, Madrid Envoy Dana Erlich, had been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot stated: “The detention of people with their hands tied, lying face down, and the publication by a government minister of their humiliation on social media is unacceptable. It violates the most basic standards of human dignity. All those detained must be treated with dignity and released immediately.” He confirmed that Belgium had demanded the summoning of the Israeli Ambassador to Brussels to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sweden Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard condemned Israel’s mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists and stated that there was no justification for these actions. Stenergard affirmed that Sweden was justified in demanding sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers, adding: “I made clear from the outset to my Israeli counterpart the importance of respecting individuals’ safety and rights.”

Switzerland Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the treatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists detained by Israel in international waters as “unacceptable” and condemned it. The ministry’s statement included: “We condemn the unacceptable treatment of some participants of the Global Sumud Fleet.” The statement noted that this treatment contradicted assurances provided by Israel authorities and emphasized: “Humanitarian detention conditions, guarantees against arbitrary treatment and the right to defense must be implemented in practice.”

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney stated: “The abhorrent treatment of civilians on the fleet, as documented in images shared by (Israel National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.”^[49] Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand also emphasized that the images were “extremely disturbing and unequivocally unacceptable,” and announced that authorities had been instructed to summon the Israeli Ambassador regarding the mistreatment of civilians on the fleet.

Austria Minister of Foreign Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger highlighted that three Austrian nationals were currently detained in Israel and stated: “The videos showing the treatment of activists by far-right minister Ben-Gvir are absolutely unacceptable.” She confirmed that Austria had conveyed its objections to the Israeli Ambassador in Vienna.

Poland Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski stated: “You cannot treat any Polish citizen who has committed no crime in this way. In a democratic world, detained persons are not tortured, mocked or treated as if they have been defeated. We demand justice for our citizens and punishment for you.”

Slovenia Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon described the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists as “horrifying, shocking and unacceptable,” emphasizing that no country should treat people with torture as Israel has. Fajon stated: “The humiliating conduct displayed by (Israel National Security Minister Itamar) Ben-Gvir and Israel authorities toward the Global Sumud Fleet has no place in a democratic society.”

Slovakia Minister of Foreign Affairs Juraj Blanar stated: “I strongly condemn the treatment suffered by passengers, including a Slovak citizen reported to be on the fleet. I find such behavior unacceptable and believe it violates the fundamental principles of human dignity.” It was also reported that Slovakia’s Embassy in Tel Aviv was closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Slovak citizen.

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The behavior of the Israel National Security Ministry toward citizens participating in the Global Sumud Fleet is unacceptable and must be condemned.” The statement noted that a protest note had been issued at the instruction of Foreign Minister Yorgos Yerapetriti and demanded that Israel authorities complete all procedures promptly and release Greek citizens immediately.

SYRIZA, the radical left opposition party in Greece, called on the European Union to suspend its partnership agreement with Israel. In its statement, SYRIZA declared: “Under the coordination of Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, detained individuals are being humiliated and mistreated. It is now clear that the Netanyahu regime not only continues its core atrocities but also seeks to normalize horror. In light of these developments, the EU–Israel Partnership Agreement, in force since 2000, must be suspended.”

Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would demand an explanation from the Israeli Ambassador in Helsinki regarding the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists.

Romania Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Toiu stated that the “hostility and humiliation” displayed by Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toward Global Sumud Fleet members was unacceptable, adding: “We demand the immediate and safe release of fleet members in accordance with international standards.”

A statement from the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the actions of Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toward activists were inhumane. The statement emphasized that these actions by Israel officials must not be regarded as individual acts, but as part of a systematic official policy that disregards human dignity and international law. The international community was called upon to urgently act to halt Israel’s provocative actions and the inhumane treatment of detained activists.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded to a question regarding the mistreatment of detained activists: “Everyone detained by Israeli authorities, like any detained person, must be treated with respect and dignity. All detained persons must be promptly returned to their home countries. They must be treated in accordance with international regulations.”

United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated that Ben-Gvir’s actions, which “betray the honor of the nation,” had provoked outrage and condemnation from all senior Israeli officials, including Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese stated: “Fleet activists have been arbitrarily detained by Israel’s apartheid regime officials and subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment.” She thanked the Global Sumud Fleet delegates for their great sacrifices and added: “I wish that Israel and the EU would feel equal shame.”

European Commission Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib emphasized that the activists were “not convicted criminals” and stated: “International humanitarian law must be respected. No one should be punished for defending humanity.”

European Commission Spokesperson for External Relations Anouar el Anouni stressed that Ben-Gvir’s conduct was “entirely unacceptable,” adding: “Every detained person must be guaranteed safety, dignity and treatment in accordance with international law. We call on the Israel government to ensure the protection and dignified treatment of these activists, including some EU citizens. We demand the immediate release of all those detained.”

Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernesto Soberon Guzman, speaking at an open session of the UN Security Council, stated: “We condemn the torture inflicted on members of the Global Sumud Fleet, Seyf Abu Kishk and Thiago Avila, who were arbitrarily detained in international waters by the Israel regime.”

Hamas stated that images of the unlawful detention of Global Sumud Fleet activists “reflect the sadism of Israel’s leaders” and emphasized that Israel and its leaders bear full responsibility for their safety. The organization called on the international community, the UN and human rights organizations to urgently refer those responsible to the International Criminal Court for prosecution for “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Palestinian Prisoners Society characterized Israel’s detention of activists participating in the “Freedom Fleet” and the Global Sumud Fleet as a systematic policy aimed at “breaking the world.” The society’s statement noted that Israel authorities had transformed the “abduction” of international activists into an organized practice to silence voices supporting Palestine and intimidate global solidarity activists. The statement highlighted that in recent months, Israel authorities had carried out similar actions against hundreds of international activists, and that the mistreatment, torture and humiliation witnessed by Ben-Gvir reflected a daily reality faced by Palestinian and Arab detainees in Israel prisons.

In the building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, several Members of the European Parliament held a protest against the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists detained by Israel. Italian MEP Danilo Della Valle stated: “While European leaders hesitate, we from Strasbourg, alongside our fellow MEPs, seek to deliver an urgent and concrete political message.” He called on the European Commission for urgent diplomatic intervention, demanding: “Let Gaza breathe!”

Dozens of people gathered in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to protest and demand the release of activists detained by Israel in international waters during its attack on the Global Sumud Fleet. Moroccans gathered in front of the parliament building carried banners expressing support for Palestine and opposing normalization with Israel. Aziz Hennavi, member of the Morocco for Palestine National Working Group, stated: “Israel has added another crime to its piracy against the Global Sumud Fleet. We are speaking of maritime piracy against civilian activists who carry no weapons or explosives.”

Simultaneously with the maritime fleet, the Global Sumud Fleet land convoy, which set out to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, entered its fourth day of waiting near the city of Sirte. The government appointed by Libya’s eastern House of Representatives had previously stated that only Libyans on the convoy would be permitted to cross into eastern Libya; however, the activists declared that they would not leave anyone behind and intended to continue toward Gaza to break the blockade.

Engineer Sebahattin Ceyhun, one of the activists on the convoy, stated that a delegation from the activists had gone the previous evening to a checkpoint near Sirte to deliver a letter to eastern Libyan authorities. Ceyhun noted that they expected a positive response from the authorities and wished to move toward Gaza as soon as possible. Ceyhun reported that morale and motivation among the convoy activists remained high and that their next steps would depend on the response received from the eastern Libyan authorities.^.

Activists on the convoy organized various activities in their camp to maintain high morale. Activists from many countries wrote messages in their native languages on the mobile container homes carried by the convoy, addressed to the people of Gaza.

Mexican activist Al Muatasem Belah Al Wirraikat Flores emphasized that people from different parts of the world and diverse cultures had come together for a single purpose: to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Al Wirraikat Flores stated: “We have the ability to speak now, but perhaps in a few hours or minutes, or even in the coming days, we may not be able to say anything at all.”

The convoy includes approximately 350 activists from 30 countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Türkiye, Indonesia, China, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. The convoy also carries 20 mobile container homes, humanitarian aid supplies and medical equipment, as well as five ambulances destined for Gaza.

On 21 April, the human rights and legal organization Adalah announced that activists from the Global Sumud Fleet, who had been unlawfully detained by the Israel military in international waters, were removed from Ktziot Prison for deportation. The organization stated that all detained Global Sumud Fleet activists had been taken out of the prison for deportation and confirmed that Adalah had received official confirmation from authorities that the activists were en route to deportation.

It was emphasized that Israel’s actions constituted a clear violation of international law, including unlawful interference in international waters, systematic torture, humiliation, and arbitrary detention of peaceful activists.

Adalah lawyer Hadel Abu Salih stated that the Global Sumud Fleet activists had been subjected to humiliation and violence. In a statement to journalists outside the Ashkelon Magistrates Court, Abu Salih provided details regarding the conditions of their detention.

Abu Salih reported that Israel authorities forced humanitarian activists to remove their headscarves and held them in painful conditions. Abu Salih said some activists had been injured and that many were suspected to have sustained physical trauma. He noted that videos shared by the activists showed Israel soldiers firing rubber bullets.

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Abu Salih, referring to a video shared by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accused Israeli officials of attempting to humiliate and use violence against the activists. Abu Salih pointed out that Israeli authorities are well aware of such practices and have used them against Palestinian prisoners as well. Abu Salih stated, “What is happening is another example of attempts to criminalize and punish activists who stand in solidarity with Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.”

Abu Salih, who represented Israeli activist Zohar Regev among the Global Sumud Fleet activists at the court in Ashkelon, shared that “the Israel police requested conditional release for Regev. Conditions included a ban on entering Gaza for 140 days and mandatory appearance for questioning if requested.” Abu Salih stated that they demanded the court cancel these conditions and release Regev without restrictions on the grounds that her detention in international waters was unlawful.

Adalah subsequently announced that Zohar Regev had been released. In its statement, Adalah noted that Regev, who had been accused of “illegally entering Israel,” “illegally remaining,” and “attempting to break the Gaza blockade,” was freed after appearing before a judge in Ashkelon. The statement emphasized that the charges against Regev were “baseless, contradictory, and absurd.” The court rejected all conditions imposed by the Israel police; however, it was recorded that Regev’s entry into Gaza was prohibited for two months by court order.

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Meanwhile, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that all foreign activists from the Global Sumud Fleet had departed the country.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources stated, “Under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our citizens and third-country nationals detained by Israel forces as participants in the Global Sumud Fleet departed from Ramon Airport under the supervision of our embassy officials in Tel Aviv and are en route to Türkiye. Special flights are bringing 422 fleet participants to Türkiye, 85 of whom are Turkish citizens.”

On 21 May at approximately 17:00 Turkey time, three separate aircraft operated by Turkish Airlines (THY) arrived at Istanbul Airport carrying activists from the Global Sumud Fleet, who had been detained by Israel in international waters. The activists were greeted by family members and some officials in the VIP lounge of the airport. Injured activists were transferred to ambulances waiting at the airport.

Ömer Çelik, Deputy Chairman and Spokesperson of the AK Party, addressed journalists at the airport. Çelik said the Global Sumud Fleet had set out as a “fleet of humanity” to raise awareness about Gaza and give voice to humanity, adding, “Our brothers and sisters undertook this journey in the name of humanity, human dignity, to stand against the genocide in Gaza, to oppose the network of genocide, and to deliver humanity’s message. Unfortunately, they suffered abuses there, but they continue to uphold that powerful message.” Çelik confirmed that injured individuals were being transported by ambulance, stating, “There are injured people. They are being taken one by one by ambulance. This scene demonstrates that noble individuals from all over the world stand up for human dignity and human values.”

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hacı Ali Özel also spoke at the airport, noting that Israel had violated international law for the third time in this context. Özel shared that among the 422 civilian activists on the three aircraft, 85 were Turkish citizens and the remaining 337 were nationals of approximately 40 different countries. He emphasized that the activists represented a global civil movement originating from six continents. Özel stated, “This is an intervention against activists who set out in full view of the entire world to deliver humanitarian aid to the people, victims, and needy in Gaza. The entire world condemns this. Just as we have done in the past, we will continue to stand by our citizens wherever they may be in the world.”

On the evening of 21 May, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 422 humanitarian aid volunteers, including 85 Turkish citizens and 337 nationals from 41 countries, had been brought to Türkiye. The statement read, “Under the coordination of our ministry and with the contributions of all relevant institutions and organizations, we swiftly and safely brought back to Türkiye the 85 of our citizens and 337 foreigners from the Global Sumud Fleet via three aircraft chartered by Turkish Airlines (THY).” It was noted that Deputy Minister Hacı Ali Özel met the Turkish citizens at Istanbul Airport and reiterated his commitment to stand by citizens at all times and in all places.^.

Turkish Airlines aircraft brought to Istanbul Airport included activists who were injured. Those suffering rib fractures and cracks due to violence and wounds caused by electroshock torture were transported by ambulance to Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital for treatment.

Other activists were sent to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institution for mandatory examinations under an investigation opened by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office. It was learned that a detailed report on the injured activists would be prepared following examinations at the Forensic Medicine Institution. Meanwhile, Mecid Bağçıvan, an activist injured in the leg by an Israel police rubber bullet and who refused treatment in Israel hospitals, was also admitted to the same hospital.

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani informed the European Union (EU) that he had requested sanctions against Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In his statement, Tajani said, “On behalf of the Italian government, I formally requested the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to include Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir on the agenda of the next meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. This request stems from the unacceptable actions carried out against the fleet: the unlawful detention of activists in international waters, their exposure to pressure and degrading treatment, and violations of fundamental human rights.”

Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation into the initial detention of the Global Sumud Fleet’s 2026 Spring Mission on 29 April has been reported to include as evidence the video shared by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. It was also noted that the legal team of the Global Sumud Fleet’s representative office in Italy had filed an additional complaint with the prosecutor’s office accusing the authorities of “kidnapping.”

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

South Korea Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung issued a statement regarding Israel’s detention of Global Sumud Fleet activists. Kang expressed “strong sorrow” over the detention of South Korean citizens and noted that Israel had deported the activists Kim Ah-hyun and Kim Dong-hyeon.

South Korea President Lee Jae Myung condemned Israel’s unlawful attack on the Global Sumud Fleet in international waters and its detention of activists. He stated that if Israel Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu were to enter South Korea, his arrest should be considered.

Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that two Jordanian activists detained by Israel from the Global Sumud Fleet had returned to their country. The official written statement confirmed that the two Jordanian nationals returned through the Wadi Araba Border Crossing.

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan issued a written statement strongly condemning Ben-Gvir, stating, “Ben-Gvir’s images and statements are disturbing and unacceptable.” Radovan also commented on the dramatic situation in Gaza, saying, “Everything must be done to ensure safe, rapid, and unimpeded delivery of aid to those in need. For this, reliable access routes and acceptance of aid by international organizations must be guaranteed in accordance with international law. Humanity can never be subject to negotiation.”

Ireland Prime Minister Micheal Martin called for the complete suspension of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement and requested that the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists be addressed at the EU Summit. In a letter to EU Council President Antonio Costa, Martin requested that the abusive treatment of Global Sumud Fleet members by Israel soldiers be placed on the agenda of the EU Summit on 18–19 June.

Martin also called for the complete suspension of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement due to the unlawful detention of activists in international waters. Martin emphasized that relations with Israel cannot continue “as if everything were normal.” He stressed that the actions of Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against the fleet activists were unacceptable. Martin stated that Israel’s indifference to international norms was growing and that it was failing to meet its obligations under international law. He also recalled that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remained dire despite the ceasefire and that deaths continued. Martin pointed out that Israel’s death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, pressure on Christian communities in Jerusalem, and attacks in Lebanon violated the EU’s fundamental values and principles.

29 members of the European Parliament (EP) called for Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to be included under the EU’s “global human rights sanctions regime” due to his sharing of footage depicting the mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists. Italian MEP Danilo Della Valle stated that he and 28 other EP members had written a letter addressed to EU Council President Antonio Costa.

Della Valle reported in the letter that Global Sumud Fleet activists had been publicly displayed in chains and handcuffs, subjected to physical and psychological violence, and faced violations of human dignity. Della Valle recalled that several European countries had summoned Israel ambassadors to demand explanations regarding the mistreatment of activists, adding, “It is time to move from words to action.”

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Della Valle emphasized in the letter to Costa that they demanded the EU apply sanctions under its “global human rights sanctions regime” against Ben-Gvir and those responsible for violence against activists. Della Valle noted that this regime had previously been used against “violent Israeli settlers” and must now be expanded to include other individuals responsible for human rights violations. He stated, “The fascists governing Israel must answer for their crimes before justice.” The “global human rights sanctions regime” provides the EU with a legal framework to impose measures such as asset freezes, bans on financial transactions with listed individuals, and travel bans against persons and institutions committing serious human rights abuses anywhere in the world.

Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed deep concern over Israel’s mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists. Rasmussen said, “We are deeply concerned by the unacceptable conduct of Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toward Sumud Fleet activists. Detained individuals must be treated with dignity and their rights protected. Denmark has clearly communicated this to Israel.”

Israeli far-right MP Yitzhak Kroizer stated that he found the images shared by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Global Sumud Fleet activists being mistreated to be “praiseworthy.” The MP from the far-right Jewish Power Party, Kroizer, responded to criticism from other MPs regarding Ben-Gvir’s sharing of violent footage, telling Israel state television KAN, “Every Israeli feels great pride in Ben-Gvir’s video.”

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists in Istanbul, 21 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Colombian President Gustavo Petro described Ben-Gvir’s shared footage by labeling him a “Nazi.”

Brazil summoned the counselor of Israel’s embassy in Brazil to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the emergence of footage depicting the abusive treatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists by Israel security forces. According to national media, following Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s release of the “inciting video,” Israel’s counselor in Brazil, Rasha Athamni, was summoned by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, 22 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Of the 29 Italian activists aboard the Global Sumud Fleet, two were released the previous morning, and 16 arrived at Rome Fiumicino Airport on the evening of 21 May aboard a scheduled Turkish Airlines (THY) flight from Istanbul. The Italian activists were warmly welcomed at Terminal 3 of Fiumicino Airport by over 50 Palestinian supporters, including family members, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. Families and supporters repeatedly chanted, “Free Palestine,” “We are all anti-Zionist,” “Free Palestine from river to sea,” and “Italy knows which side it stands on.”

^{Global Sumud Fleet activists at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, 22 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Italian Member of Parliament Dario Carotenuto and journalist Alessandro Mantovani, detained from the Kasr al-Sadabat vessel aboard the Global Sumud Fleet, arrived in Rome via Athens, the capital of Greece.

The land convoy of the Global Sumud Fleet, which set out to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, has entered its fifth day of waiting near Sirte. Ibrahim Bahşı, President of the Elazığ branch of the Memur-Sen union among the convoy activists, stated in his remarks that the convoy’s camp stay was ongoing. Bahşı reported that a delegation from the convoy had visited the control point at Sirte that day for talks but returned without a positive outcome. Bahşı indicated that the activists were in a decision-making phase and that the convoy’s next steps would be determined according to the decision reached.