Spanish authorities at the Bilbao airport violently clashed with activists from the most recent Gaza flotilla over the weekend. According to local reports, the incident began when the activists stopped at the exit from the plane for a photo op, blocking the other passengers from exiting, and then refused to move when told to do so to allow the other passengers to safely disembark.
Footage published on social media showed police striking the activists with batons and dragging them across the floor.
Four activists were arrested upon their return to Spain on a flight from Turkey after being expelled from Israel. Police said that the activists were arrested for serious disobedience, resisting arrest, and assaulting law enforcement officers.
The Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza, stated: “Following what happened at the airport, the Ertzaintza internal affairs division has launched an investigation to determine whether the officers’ conduct complied with procedures."
Israel's Foreign Ministry posted a video of the incident, along with a message mocking Spanish authorities, who criticized the Jewish State for stopping the flotilla without such violent arrests, stating: “We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists."
Last week, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video of himself taunting Gaza flotilla activists in an action that was widely condemned in Israel and around the world.