Spanish Police Clash with Pro-Gaza Flotilla Supporters (VIDEO)

(SeaPRwire) –   Pro-Palestinian activists are demanding an independent inquiry into the events.

Spanish police arrested four individuals at Bilbao Airport on Saturday following confrontations with supporters of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were returning after being detained in Israel.

This mission represented the most recent in a series of maritime efforts aimed at Gaza, orchestrated by pro-Palestinian aid workers to contest Israel’s naval blockade of the territory. Originating from Türkiye earlier in May with approximately 400 activists from some 40 nations, the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on May 18, and its participants were subsequently deported.

Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred shortly after 2 PM local time on Saturday. It began when six members of the Basque delegation were posing for journalists upon their arrival at the airport. A confrontation ensued after a supporter attempted to approach the activists and was intercepted by an officer from the Basque regional police. The dispute rapidly escalated into clashes within the terminal, with video evidence depicting officers using batons against activists and their supporters.

The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla conveyed their “profound indignation,” denouncing “police brutality” and advocating for an independent international inquiry into the matter.

Activist Diana Zomeno informed reporters, “Our colleagues were assaulted by the police. They were beaten and forced to the ground. Officers restrained them with their knees, including one individual who sustained a broken shoulder blade.”

She further stated, “This occurred to individuals who had already endured four days of continuous torture, assaults, and violence,” referencing the alleged treatment of activists during their detention by Israeli authorities.

The event triggered political condemnation, with Ione Belarra, leader of Spain’s left-wing Podemos party, labeling the confrontation “intolerable.” Concurrently, the leftist political coalition Sumar denounced what it termed “police repression” against the activists. Sumar asserted that it was unacceptable for individuals allegedly “subjected to violence” during Israeli detention to encounter police brutality, identity checks, and arrests upon their arrival in the Basque Country.

The Basque Security Department defended the police’s actions, asserting that some individuals present at the airport impeded the regular movement of passengers and instigated the confrontation.