The return of Global Sumud Flotilla activists to Spain on Saturday was marked by tense scenes at Bilbao airport, where clashes broke out between supporters and the Ertzaintza, the autonomous police force of the Basque Country. Four individuals were arrested on charges of serious disobedience, resisting authority, and assaulting a police officer, according to police sources.
The incidents occurred as six flotilla members, who had just landed, posed for media and blocked an arrivals exit. Officers intervened, citing a breach of the security cordon, leading to shoving and high tension among activists, supporters, and police. Those arrested were handed over to judicial authorities.
The activists' return had been delayed by a day after two of them were hospitalized with injuries sustained when Israeli forces intercepted their vessel as they attempted to reach the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid.
Contrasting Scenes in Barcelona
In contrast, another 20 activists from the same flotilla landed at Barcelona-El Prat airport around midday without incident. Around 200 people greeted them with Palestinian flags and welcome banners, including political representatives and public officials who expressed support for the initiative.
The activists had been seized five days earlier in international waters while heading to Gaza with aid, an operation that has drawn criticism over the treatment they received during detention. Santiago González Vallejo, a Spanish activist, reported after his deportation that violence against them escalated during detention. He told RTVE that Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, told them that "neither Palestine nor Gaza exist" and branded them "terrorists." González said he suffered blows, painful restraint holds, and the withdrawal of his medication, and noted that several companions remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The organizing coalition is considering legal action over arbitrary detention and ill-treatment, while announcing new initiatives to denounce the blockade of Gaza.
Diplomatic Repercussions
The controversy has triggered diplomatic fallout. France has barred Minister Ben Gvir from entering its territory, deeming his actions "unacceptable" toward French and other European citizens detained during the interception. Paris cited a series of "humiliating and threatening" behaviors, including videos shared on social networks showing the minister among bound and kneeling activists. The French foreign minister stressed that while the French government does not agree with the flotilla initiative, "it cannot tolerate public officials intimidating or mistreating European citizens," and indicated that France and Italy will call for EU-level sanctions against the Israeli official.
Israel responded by summoning the Chargé d’Affaires of the Spanish Embassy, Francisca Pedrós, for a clarification meeting. Ambassador Yossi Amrani, Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acted on instructions from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, following the publication of videos and images showing acts of violence by Spanish authorities against the flotilla activists. A statement was released afterward, though its content was not immediately disclosed.
The incident underscores the broader tensions surrounding European activism against the Gaza blockade. Similar protests have occurred elsewhere, such as pro-Palestinian marches in Athens following the interception. Meanwhile, Turkey has welcomed 422 Gaza flotilla activists deported by Israel amid abuse allegations, as reported in related coverage.
