A fleet of 42 boats carrying roughly 450 activists set out to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and bring symbolic aid to Gaza, where famine is worsening amid the ongoing conflict. Most of the people who were detained between Wednesday and Friday were taken to Israel, and many are still being held in custody.
At Madrid’s international airport, dozens of family members and supporters lined the arrivals area to welcome the returning activists. Spanish journalist Nestor Prieto said Israeli officers “pointed their weapon lasers at our vital parts” and used sleep‑deprivation tactics on detainees. Israel’s Foreign Ministry called those allegations “brazen lies,” saying that those still in detention chose formal deportation procedures rather than voluntary return.
Far‑right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir praised prisoners at the Ketziot facility, calling them “supporters of terrorism.” The arrests have sparked diplomatic criticism from Turkey, Colombia and Pakistan, while Greece lodged a formal protest over the treatment of its citizens. The interception comes as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to stop airstrikes on Gaza and pushed a new ceasefire proposal, which both Israel and Hamas have partially accepted ahead of negotiations in Cairo.
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