Gaza flotilla activists ‘beaten by Spanish police’

Video shows moment activists clash with officers at Bilbao airport after being deported from Israel

Four pro-Palestinian flotilla activists were allegedly beaten by police, dragged across the floor and detained at Bilbao airport after their deportation from Israel.

Footage posted on X shows the moment activists clashed with police that resulted in the detention of three flotilla participants and one of their supporters.

In a jibe at Spanish officials, the Israeli government, which has been criticised by the Spanish government for its alleged treatment of flotilla activists, reposted the video on X and wrote: “We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists.”

The Telegraph understands that all of the activists have since been released, with one receiving treatment in hospital after being detained on charges of “serious disobedience” and “attacking an officer”.

Friends and relatives of the campaigners had been waiting at the airport before their scheduled return from Israel via Turkey, after their vessels had been intercepted and they had been detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) last month.

The flotilla had been attempting to reach Gaza and deliver aid to Palestinians.

The IDF accused the activists of staging a publicity stunt and demanded they deliver the goods via official channels, including the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The activists were on their scheduled return from Israel after their vessels had been intercepted by the IDF [Photo Credit: Europa Press News/Getty Images]

The incident came after the activists on board the aid flotilla were detained and deported from Israel [Photo Credit: Europa Press News/Getty Images]

A spokesman for The Global Sumud Flotilla said: “When a family member, waiting anxiously in the arrivals terminal, attempted to cross a barrier to embrace their loved ones, the Ertzaintza suddenly and shockingly responded with violence.

“What should have been a moment of relief and familial comfort after such a harrowing experience was interrupted by even more brutality.

“Among those attacked and beaten by the Basque police were individuals who had just recently been discharged from medical facilities to fly home, bearing severe, agonising injuries from their time in Israel’s captivity. The state apparatuses that target those standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people must be dismantled.”

Friends and loved ones of the campaigners had been awaiting their return at the airport since 11am [Photo Credit: Europa Press News/Getty Images]

This incident came after Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, criticised Itamar Ben Gvir, the Israeli national security minister, after he published an “appalling” video which showed him taunting detained flotilla activists.

France announced that it would be banning the far-right minister from the country in response to the clip.

In a rare step, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, distanced himself from Mr Ben Gvir and claimed the conduct and his treatment of those arrested was “not in line with Israel’s values”.

The flotilla missions started last autumn when hundreds of activists, including Greta Thunberg, attempted to sail to Gaza and deliver aid.

Since then, the Global Sumud Flotilla has been embroiled in sustained controversy.

In April, Israeli officials have claimed that it found drugs on the flotilla and a negligible amount of aid.

The country’s foreign ministry published a photo on social media of what it claimed were “condoms and drugs” on board the vessels.

The flotilla organisers did not immediately respond to the accusation, but online supporters and activists have accused Israel of spreading disinformation.

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