On Friday, 3 October, Israel’s ultra‑right‑wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir declared deportations of Global Sumud Flotilla activists fundamentally wrong and urged their imprisonment for months to “sense the stench of terrorists.”
Minister’s Stand on Deportations
Ben Gvir stated that participants should be held in Israeli prison for several months so they can smell the “stench of terrorists.” He warned that no situation should allow the prime minister to send them repeatedly back to their countries, as such returns would simply bring them back.
International Criticism of the Minister’s Remarks
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza (ICBSG) slammed Ben Gvir’s comments, describing them as outrageous. The committee noted that footage from the protest captured only 25 seconds before the chant “Freedom for Palestine” erupted, highlighting the contradictory nature of the minister’s statements.
Arrest of Global Sumud Flotilla Participants
On Thursday, 2 October, participants attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were arrested. Among those detained were members of a Polish delegation: MP Franciszek Sterczewski (KO), Omar Faris, president of the Polish–Palestinian Cultural Association; Nina Ptak, president of the Nomada Association; and the Polish‑British journalist and activist Ewa Jasiewicz, author of “Light the Gaza.”
Polish Response and Consular Assistance
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the three detained Polish citizens would receive consular assistance under existing regulations. It stated that Polish citizens remain safe while the situation is monitored.
