Basque police arrested at least four members of the Global Sumud Flotilla and their supporters at Bilbao airport on Saturday, following the activists’ return from Israeli detention, leading to violent clashes.
Videos showed officers from the Basque regional police force (Ertzaintza) beating and dragging people. The activists denounce unprovoked police brutality as they returned from their ordeal in Israel.
We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists pic.twitter.com/k2bbkKq7tm
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 23, 2026
The Basque regional police force (Ertzaintza) frequently faces scrutiny over its handling of demonstrations and public gatherings. In this specific incident at Bilbao airport, the violent intervention and arrests of flotilla activists (who had traveled to support Palestinians) have sparked reactions from human rights organizations and political groups in the region, demanding explanations. The Minister of Public Order has committed to conducting an investigation.
OUTRAGEOUS! In front of their families and the entire Basque press, our Flotilla volunteers were attacked by the airport police in Bilbao, Basque Country-Spain, upon returning to their home country. pic.twitter.com/CinNouZYjo
— Thiago Ávila (@thiagoavilabr) May 23, 2026
WILL THE WORLD CONDEMN THIS?
Spanish Flotilla activists arrived at Bilbao airport blocking arrival gates for photo ops. When police tried to clear the area, they turned violent — and were dragged out by officers. This is who they are. https://t.co/8kGYLIi2FX pic.twitter.com/WZceFdBL4r
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 23, 2026
Police forcibly detained Global Sumud Flotilla members and their supporters at Bilbao Airport after the activists returned from Israeli detention.
Videos showed officers from the Basque regional police force beating and dragging people. Four people were reportedly detained. pic.twitter.com/nscq1K8DYB
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 23, 2026
