Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChristopher McKeonWednesday 20 May 2026 21:58 BSTIsraeli minister filmed taunting international activists detained in IsraelThe Foreign Office is in contact with the families of British activists detained in Israel following their participation in an aid flotilla that attempted to breach the blockade of Gaza.Yvette Cooper, a prominent figure, strongly criticised Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for releasing videos showing detained activists with their hands tied and kneeling, deeming it a violation of basic human dignity.Over 400 individuals, including several British citizens and the sister of Ireland's president, were detained after the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian supplies, was intercepted by Israeli forces.Ms Cooper demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities regarding the treatment of detainees, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also rebuked Ben-Gvir's actions, stating they were not in line with Israel's national values.This incident mirrors a similar attempt in 2025 and highlights ongoing severe aid shortages in war-shattered Gaza, despite a US-brokered ceasefire in place since October 2025, with Israel asserting its naval blockade is lawful.In fullYvette Cooper condemns ‘appalling’ videos of Israeli minister taunting detained British nationalsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in