Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev posted a video criticizing activists of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla after their detention by Israeli authorities [1].
The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the naval blockade of Gaza and the diplomatic friction caused by international efforts to breach it.
Regev filmed the video during a visit to Ashdod port, where the Israeli navy had intercepted the flotilla [1]. In the footage, Regev characterized the activists as supporters of terrorism and said they belong in prison [1].
"This is what should be done with those who support terrorism," Regev said [2].
The interception took place in early October 2025, with the video posted on Oct. 1, 2025, the same day the final boat of the flotilla was stopped [3, 4]. Other government officials echoed the sentiment; Itamar Ben-Gvir said, "These terrorism supporters' place is prison" [5].
Approximately 450 activists were detained during the operation [6]. While some reports describe the number as hundreds, the higher-trust estimate places the figure near 450 [6]. All detained individuals were eventually released and deported [7].
Following their release, some of the activists described their treatment while in custody. One unnamed activist said, "We were subjected to stress and humiliation while in Israeli custody" [8].
The Global Sumud flotilla attempted to deliver aid and challenge the blockade, a move the Israeli government frames as a security threat [1].
“"This is what should be done with those who support terrorism."”
The rhetoric used by Minister Regev and other officials reflects a hardline security approach toward non-governmental maritime challenges to the Gaza blockade. By framing humanitarian activists as terrorism supporters, the Israeli government justifies the use of naval interception and detention as national security measures rather than political or diplomatic disputes.
