Bilbao Airport Clash Over Gaza Flotilla Activists Sparks Protests
On May 23-24, 2026, Basque police clashed with supporters of the Global Sumud Flotilla at Bilbao Airport, arresting four activists returning from Israeli detention. The flotilla, carrying 400 activists from 40 countries, was intercepted by Israel while challenging the Gaza blockade. Around 2,000 protesters later marched in Bilbao, condemning police violence. Israel accused Spain of hypocrisy, while UN experts and Amnesty International called for accountability.
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Gaza flotilla activists clash with police upon return to Spain; Israel accuses Spain of hypocrisy
Spanish activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, expelled by Israel after attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza, faced violent clashes with Basque police (Ertzaintza) upon arrival at Bilbao airport on May 24, 2026. Four activists were arrested for serious disobedience and assault. Videos showed officers pinning activists to the ground. In response, Israel summoned Spain's chargé d'affaires, accusing Madrid of hypocrisy for condemning Israel's blockade enforcement while using force against the same activists. In contrast, 20 other flotilla members landed peacefully in Barcelona, greeted by supporters. The incident follows international criticism of Israel's treatment of detained activists, including allegations of injuries and harsh statements by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Latest News From Euronews | Euronews RSSThousands protest in Bilbao over Spanish police's abuse of Gaza flotilla activists
Around 2,000 protesters marched in Bilbao, Spain, on Sunday to condemn Basque police for violently abusing activists returning from a Gaza aid flotilla. Video showed police hitting people with batons and dragging them across the floor at the airport. The Basque police launched an investigation into whether officers followed procedures. The incident follows a diplomatic furor after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir released a video taunting the activists as they were forced to kneel. Spain had condemned Ben Gvir's behavior and called for EU trade suspension with Israel. In response, Israel summoned Spain's chargé d'affaires, accusing the Spanish government of hypocrisy for condemning Israel's naval blockade while its own police used severe violence against the same activists. Israeli leaders Netanyahu, Sa'ar, and Herzog condemned Ben Gvir's actions.
The Times of IsraelSpain protest condemns Basque police beating of Gaza flotilla activists
Around two thousand protesters marched in Bilbao, Spain, on Sunday to condemn the Basque police's treatment of six Gaza flotilla activists upon their return from Israeli detention. The incident began at Bilbao airport on Saturday when police forcefully prevented a relative from approaching the activists, leading to scuffles. Images showed officers striking people with batons and pinning them to the ground. The Basque regional police have launched an investigation into whether officers followed procedures. The activists were released after being detained on a flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza. Organizers allege the activists suffered abuse in Israeli custody, including sexual assaults, which Israel's prison service denies. The Israeli Embassy in Spain has demanded an explanation from the Spanish government. UN expert Francesca Albanese and Amnesty International have called for accountability.
The New ArabProtesters in Spain Condemn Police Handling of Gaza Flotilla Activists
Around two thousand protesters gathered in Bilbao, Spain, on May 24, 2026, to condemn the Basque police's treatment of activists returning from Israeli detention after attempting to bring aid to Gaza via a flotilla. The protest was sparked by a confrontation at Bilbao airport on May 23, where police forcefully prevented a relative from approaching the activists, leading to scuffles and images of officers striking people with batons. The Basque police have launched an investigation into whether officers followed procedures. The activists had been released from Israeli custody, with organizers alleging abuse including sexual assaults, which Israel's prison service denied. The incident has drawn international attention, with UN expert Francesca Albanese and Amnesty International calling for accountability, while the Israeli Embassy in Spain demanded an explanation from the Spanish government.
The Straits Times World NewsSpanish police clash with Gaza flotilla supporters at Bilbao Airport
Four people were arrested at Spain's Bilbao Airport after police clashed with supporters of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was returning from detention in Israel. The flotilla, carrying around 400 activists from about 40 countries, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on May 18 while attempting to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Participants were later deported. The confrontation at the airport began when a supporter tried to approach the activists and was stopped by police, escalating into clashes inside the terminal. Organizers condemned 'police brutality' and called for an independent international investigation. Activist Diana Zomeno alleged that activists were beaten and pinned down, including one with a broken shoulder blade. Political figures from Podemos and Sumar criticized the police response, while the Basque Security Department defended it, claiming activists obstructed passenger flow.
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