Spanish police filmed beating Gaza flotilla activists as Israel jabs back at Madrid

Spanish police arrested four activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla at Bilbao Airport on Saturday amid clashes that erupted after the group's return from Turkey. Videos circulating online showed officers dragging activists across the terminal floor and hitting them with batons.

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We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists.

The incident occurred after Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires earlier in the week. This followed a controversial video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which taunted detained flotilla activists. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had condemned the treatment of activists aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla as “monstrous,” “inhumane,” and “disgraceful.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry used the Bilbao airport footage to retaliate against Madrid. The ministry demanded an explanation from the Spanish government, accusing the flotilla activists of causing disorder wherever they go. In posts on X, the ministry referred to the activists as "anarchists" who were "driving the Spanish police crazy" and bringing "provocation and chaos."

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The flotilla anarchists are driving the Spanish police crazy.

According to the Spanish newspaper El País, the four arrested individuals face accusations of serious disobedience, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer. The confrontation reportedly began when a person attempted to approach the Basque flotilla delegation after their arrival from Turkey, leading to unrest when a police officer intervened.

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The flotilla anarchists bring provocation and chaos everywhere.

The Basque Interior Department has initiated an investigation into whether the officers' actions adhered to regulations. The left-wing party EH Bildu condemned the police response as "harsh" and unjustified against activists engaged in "solidarity" and the "defense of human rights." The party plans to question Basque Security Minister Bingen Zupiria in parliament and called for the detainees' release and an end to hostility toward solidarity actions.

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The violence used against an action symbolizing solidarity and the defense of human rights is completely unjustified. It is unacceptable to beat and arrest people in the Basque Country who were kidnapped by Israel.