Gaza’s Bloodied Toll, the Flotilla mission and Israel’s Extremist Minister

In the past 48 hours, Israeli military strikes have officially claimed the lives of at least 70 Palestinians, including 37 in Gaza City alone, according to medical sources speaking to Al Jazeera.

These devastating losses underscore the urgency of addressing the actions and rhetoric of people like the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose recent statements, which I’ll go in to further as you read on, have inflamed an already extremely tense time for humanitarian workers illegally detained, and highlighted the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians.

Who Is Itamar Ben-Gvir? Convictions, Rise, & Ideology

To firstly understand why threats from this man are dangerous, it helps to know Ben-Gvir’s background.

• Early affiliations & ideology: Ben-Gvir joined the Kach movement as a teenager. Kach was a Jewish supremacist/extremist group founded by Meir Kahane. Kach was outlawed as a terror organisation by Israel, the US and others.  
• Criminal record & convictions: He has been convicted multiple times - for incitement to racism and support for a terrorist organisation. For example, in 2007 he was convicted for holding racist slogans on signs.
• Political rise: Despite this record, Ben-Gvir became leader of the far-right party Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit), later joined a coalition with other Religious Zionist factions. As part of Netanyahu’s governments, he was appointed National Security Minister. In that role he controls much of the security apparatus in the occupied territories - Border Police, the domestic police, etc.  
• Racist views & statements: He has repeatedly made statements placing Jewish/settler rights above Palestinian rights, denying or minimizing Palestinian claims to movement, to dignity. He has praised extremist figures, commemorated Meir Kahane, hung a portrait of mass murderer Baruch Goldstein in his home (until removed amid publicity), and publicly advocated for harsh responses to Palestinian resistance.  

Sanctions and Travel Bans

Ben-Gvir’s actions have not gone without response internationally. Several countries have imposed sanctions, travel bans, or declared him “persona non grata” due to his record of incitement and violations of human rights.

• UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway: These countries have imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir (and Finance Minister Smotrich), including freezing of any of their assets in those jurisdictions, and travel bans.  
• Netherlands: Declared him persona non grata; banned entry into the Netherlands; then extended the warning/ban to all Schengen countries.  
• Spain: Spain has banned him (and Smotrich) from entering the country; and is part of moves to include them in the Schengen Information System so entry bans apply more broadly.  
• Belgium: Working to bar Ben-Gvir and Smotrich from all EU/Schengen nations, after declaring them “extremist ministers.”  

These punitive measures reflect recognition by parts of the world that Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric and policies are not merely controversial - they are dangerous, racist, and in breach of international human rights norms.

His actions and affiliations raise serious questions about how an individual with such a criminal background can hold a position of power in an alleged democracy. This situation prompts a broader inquiry into why Western nations continue to maintain alliances with a government that allows individuals with such convictions to serve in high office.

Now… The Global Sumud Flotilla: A Humanitarian Mission

The Global Sumud Flotilla, launched in August 2025, it was a coordinated effort by activists from over 44 countries to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza. The flotilla comprised more than 50 vessels, including the final ship, the Polish-flagged Marinette, which was intercepted by Israeli forces on October 3, 2025, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza. Among the over 450 detained activists were prominent figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, and French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. The mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and assert the right of Palestinians to access their territorial waters without obstruction.

Despite the interception of the vessels, the flotilla’s organisers vowed to continue their efforts until the siege on Gaza is lifted and the rights of Palestinians are upheld.

Ben-Gvir’s Threats: A Call for Further Repression

In a very recently released statement, Ben-Gvir criticised Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to allow activists from the flotilla to return to their countries, labelling them as “terror supporters.” He argued that they should be detained in Israeli prisons to “smell the scent of the terrorists’ wing,” a remark that many interpret as a call for further repression and criminalization of humanitarian efforts. He called for them to be detained for months, illegally, instead of them being allowed to attempt to deliver aid “again and again.”

This rhetoric is not isolated. Ben-Gvir has a history of making inflammatory statements that dehumanize Palestinians and justify harsh measures against them. His words and policies contribute to an environment where violence against Palestinians is normalized and their rights are systematically denied.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Call for Action

The recent killings in Gaza are part of a broader pattern of violence and repression that has plagued the region for decades. The international community has a responsibility to hold accountable those who perpetuate this cycle of violence and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

Humanitarian organisations continue to report dire conditions in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed, infrastructure destroyed, and civilians subjected to indiscriminate attacks. The actions of individuals like Ben-Gvir exacerbate these conditions and hinder efforts to provide relief to those in need.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it is imperative that the international community take a firm stance against the actions and rhetoric of individuals like Itamar Ben-Gvir. His extremist views and support for policies that violate international law contribute to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians. By holding him and others accountable, and by supporting humanitarian efforts, we can work towards a future where justice and peace prevail for all.