Spanish police clash with, beat, detain flotilla activists, supporters at Bilbao airport; Israel ‘demands explanation’ for treatment

Police have detained four people at Bilbao airport following clashes that broke out after activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla returned home, according to Spanish officials.

Video of the incident shows supporters gathered in the arrivals hall to welcome six campaigners as they arrived on a flight from Turkey after having been detained and deported by Israeli forces. When a relative of one of the activists tried to approach them, a police officer forcefully prevented him from doing so, leading to scuffles between both sides, public broadcaster TVE reports.

Images broadcast by the station show police striking people with batons at the airport and pinning others to the ground while being jeered by onlookers.

Four people were arrested for serious disobedience, resisting arrest and assaulting law enforcement officers, the Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza, says in a statement.

“Following what happened at the airport, the Ertzaintza internal affairs division has launched an investigation to determine whether the officers’ conduct complied with procedures,” it adds.

We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists. pic.twitter.com/RHMPVAWbwz

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 23, 2026

Sharing a video of the incident on social media, Israel’s Foreign Ministry says: “We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists.”

The incident comes after Israel’s National Security Minister Ben Gvir sparked a diplomatic incident after he released a video in which he could be seen taunting the activists as they were forced to kneel on the floor with their hands bound. The video immediately sparked an international outcry, with dozens of countries condemning Israel’s treatment of the detained activists.