Israel Begins Mass Deportations of ~430 Global Sumud Flotilla Activists; Ben-Gvir Taunting Video Sparks Diplomatic Crisis

On May 21, 2026 (Day 953 of the Gaza war), Israel began mass deportations of approximately 430 international activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla who had been intercepted in international waters off Cyprus. Activists were bused to Ramon Airport in southern Israel or flown from Ben Gurion Airport and deported to their home countries. At least one Israeli citizen aboard was held separately for legal proceedings. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage to X showing activists bound, blindfolded, and forced to kneel at Ashdod Port — triggering a fresh wave of international diplomatic protests. Multiple countries summoned Israeli ambassadors. The deportation crisis deepened the diplomatic rupture already caused by the flotilla interceptions: the 10-foreign-minister joint condemnation of May 19, OHCHR demands for activist release, and comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid. Israel defended the deportations as lawful enforcement of its naval blockade.