National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has become a lightning rod for international criticism after taunting detained activists Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters as it approached Gaza on May 18, preventing the vessels from reaching the enclave and detaining more than 400 activists from around 40 countries.The mission had set out from Türkiye to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and draw attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Those detained included citizens of Italy, the UK, Canada, Türkiye, Greece, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Ireland, and New Zealand.The controversy escalated after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released videos showing detained activists zip-tied and kneeling with their foreheads to the ground while he walked among them, mocked them, and described them as supporters of terrorism. What is the Gaza flotilla? Read more Israeli forces storm Gaza-bound aid flotilla The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest in a series of Gaza-bound maritime missions organized by pro-Palestinian activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade. Organizers say such missions aim to break what they describe as an unlawful siege, deliver symbolic humanitarian aid, and spotlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.Israel claims the blockade is needed to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and has repeatedly described flotilla missions as provocations or propaganda operations.Has this happened before?Israel has intercepted Gaza-bound convoys multiple times over the years. The most infamous case came in 2010, when armed Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, killing nine Turkish citizens and triggering a major diplomatic crisis with Ankara. Just last month, Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 boats and detained approximately 175 activists near Crete.International outrageThe images triggered condemnation even from Israel’s allies and partners, with much of the criticism focused on Ben-Gvir personally. The US ambassador to Israel described his conduct as “despicable” and a “betrayal of Israel’s dignity.” Read more South Africa condemns abduction of activists on Gaza-bound aid flotilla Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called the treatment of the detainees “monstrous, inhuman and undignified.”Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called Israel’s treatment of the flotilla members “abominable,” while Italy demanded the immediate release of its detained citizens, calling their treatment a violation of “human dignity.”Foreign ministers from France, Greece, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and South Korea also condemned the incident, with criticism also coming from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.Rights groups accused Israeli authorities of mistreating detainees, including through violence, stress positions, psychological trauma, and denial of access to lawyers. Israel has defended the interception, while some officials have rejected allegations of improper treatment.Israeli responsePrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to distance himself from Ben-Gvir, describing his conduct toward the activists as “not consistent with the values and norms of the State of Israel.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticized Ben-Gvir, saying he had caused harm to Israel with his “disgraceful display.”Ben-Gvir doubled down, accusing Sa’ar of submitting to “supporters of terrorism.” Israeli officials nevertheless continued to defend the interception itself, describing the flotilla as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas.”