On May 18, 2026, the 'Global Sumud' flotilla, an aid convoy attempting to break the blockade on Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Cyprus. Among the activists on board were nine Moroccan nationals, who were subsequently detained by Israeli authorities.
The incident escalated after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir released a video showing the Moroccan activists kneeling and handcuffed. The footage, which Ben Gvir shared on social media, drew widespread international condemnation, with critics accusing him of humiliating the detainees and violating their dignity.
Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the detention of its citizens and stated it was in contact with Israeli authorities to secure their release. The Moroccan government also summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest the treatment of the detainees.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned the interception and the video, calling for an independent investigation. The flotilla was organized by a coalition of pro-Palestinian groups aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been under an Israeli-led blockade since 2007.
As of May 21, 2026, the nine Moroccans remain in Israeli custody, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to resolve the situation. The incident has further strained relations between Morocco and Israel, which normalized ties in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
