Spain condemns Israel's 'monstrous' treatment of Gaza flotilla activists — Wednesday 20 May 2026Spain's foreign minister has strongly denounced Israel's handling of pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, calling the treatment of those detained "monstrous" and demanding a formal apology. Speaking in Berlin, Jose Manuel Albares described footage of the activists as disgraceful and inhumane, highlighting concerns over the use of force during the operation. The remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of Israel's maritime enforcement tactics in the eastern Mediterranean. The incident unfolded earlier this week when Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters near Cyprus. According to reports, naval personnel boarded the boats and fired rubber bullets at activists on at least one vessel before detaining the group and transporting them to Israel. The action has drawn criticism from rights advocates who argue that such interceptions violate freedom of navigation norms on the high seas and complicate efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. Global reactions underscore widening diplomatic rifts, with European governments facing pressure to address both the humanitarian needs in Gaza and the legal questions raised by the seizure. Spain's stance reflects broader unease among some EU members over Israel's policies, potentially influencing future aid coordination and maritime security discussions in the region. Observers note that such flotilla missions, though symbolic, continue to test the boundaries of international responses to the blockade.Watch the full video from Middle East Eye below.