The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the behavior of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir toward Greek citizens detained during the “Global Sumud Flotilla” incident, labeling his actions “unacceptable” and “absolutely reprehensible.”
Dozens of activists can be seen in the clip forced to kneel on the ground, with their hands tied, at an Ashdod port facility where they were being processed ahead of their likely deportation. The video begins with a female activist shouting “Free Palestine,” before being grabbed by the head and shoved to the ground by officers who drag her out of Ben Gvir’s way, as he tours the facility.
With dozens of bound activists kneeling on the ground, Ben Gvir is seen waving a large Israeli flag and shouting in Hebrew, “Welcome to Israel! We are in charge here!” Ben Gvir is also heard urging guards at the facility to “not [to] be bothered by their screams,” as a woman cries out in the background.
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel
pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026
Following orders from Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Athens has lodged an official diplomatic demarche of protest with Israeli authorities. The Greek government is demanding the immediate release of its citizens.
The official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads:
“The behavior of the Israeli National Security Minister targeting citizens participating in the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ is unacceptable and absolutely reprehensible. By order of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, an official demarche of protest has been filed regarding the incident. We demand full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, and we call upon the Israeli authorities to expedite all necessary procedures for the immediate release of the Greek citizens.”
While reports suggest that nineteen Greek nationals may be involved in the flotilla mission, the Ministry noted that the figure has not yet been officially confirmed and will be verified during the registration process.
US President Donald Trump’s administration issued a rare critique, branding Ben Gvir’s actions “despicable.”
“Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation,” wrote US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on X.
Related: Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Activist Flotilla Near Cyprus
