The Foreign Office is in contact with the families of British activists currently held in Israel, as Yvette Cooper strongly criticised the release of videos featuring the detainees by the country’s security minister.
More than 400 individuals, among them several British citizens and the sister of Ireland's president, were detained after their participation in an aid flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
This latest endeavour, organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla, mirrors a similar attempt in 2025, which also saw Israeli forces intercept the vessels and detain those on board.
In a post on X, Yvette Cooper said: “We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support.”
I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) May 20, 2026
This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.
We are in touch with the families of a number…
Ms Cooper also condemned videos posted by Israeli national security minister, Iamar Ben-Gvir, taunting detained activists in what appeared to be a makeshift detention area at Ashdod, on Israel’s coast.
The videos, released by Mr Ben-Gvir on Wednesday, also showed some activists with their hands tied behind their backs and kneeling with their heads touching the floor.
"They came as big heroes," Ben Gvir says in the video as he walks by the activists while carrying a large Israeli flag. "Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything."
Ms Cooper said she was “truly appalled” by the footage, adding: “This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.”
She said; “We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved.”
Mr Ben-Gvir’s videos drew condemnation from the international community and a rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said it was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.
The flotilla, which had set sail from southern Turkey, represented a renewed attempt to deliver vital assistance to war-shattered Gaza.
Its organisers stated their objective was to break Israel's ongoing blockade of the territory by providing humanitarian supplies.
This comes as aid bodies continue to report severe shortages, despite a US-brokered ceasefire, in place since October 2025, which included guarantees for increased aid.
Israel claims that its naval blockade on Gaza is entirely lawful.
The UK sanctioned Mr Ben-Gvir and his fellow minister Bezalel Smotrich, in June 2025, over the pair’s “repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians”.
