Clashes Erupt at Bilbao Airport as Gaza Flotilla Activists Return
Four individuals were arrested after confrontations broke out on Saturday involving supporters waiting for members of the flotilla, which had recently been intercepted during a maritime mission aimed at challenging Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza. The voyage had departed from Türkiye earlier in the month, carrying roughly 400 activists from around 40 countries, before being stopped by Israeli forces in international waters on May 18. The activists were subsequently deported.
Local reports indicate that the incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when six members of the Basque delegation were posing for media coverage at the airport. Tensions rose when a supporter attempted to approach the returning activists but was prevented by a Basque regional police officer. The situation quickly deteriorated into a broader confrontation inside the terminal, with footage reportedly showing officers using batons while moving against activists and their supporters.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla issued strong criticism, expressing “deep indignation” and condemning what they described as “police brutality,” while demanding an independent international inquiry into the events.
“Our companions have been attacked by the police. They were beaten and thrown to the ground. Police officers pinned them down with their knees, including one companion who had a broken shoulder blade,” said activist Diana Zomeno in comments to reporters.
She further added, “All this was done to people who have spent four days suffering constant torture, assaults, and violence,” referring to the treatment activists say they experienced while in Israeli custody.
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