Approximately 2,000 demonstrators marched through Bilbao, Spain on Sunday, expressing outrage over how Basque police officers handled activists returning from a Gaza aid mission who had been held in Israeli custody.
The controversy erupted Saturday at Bilbao airport when a family member of one of six returning activists attempted to reach them, but was forcibly stopped by an officer, sparking confrontations between both groups, according to footage from state broadcaster TVE.
Video evidence revealed officers using batons to strike individuals and forcing others to the ground while bystanders shouted in disapproval. Prior to the altercation, the activists had apparently blocked passenger exits, prompting police intervention to relocate them.
The Basque regional police department announced Sunday that it has opened an inquiry to assess whether officers followed proper protocols. Reuters has contacted the Spanish government seeking their response.
During Sunday’s demonstration, pro-Palestinian marchers displayed signs criticizing the Basque police department and claiming the regional government was cooperating with Zionism.
The activists had been freed from Israeli custody following their detention aboard a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Event organizers claimed Friday that the activists faced mistreatment during Israeli detention, with multiple individuals requiring hospitalization for injuries and no fewer than 15 alleging sexual violence, including rape.
Israel’s prison service rejected these accusations, and Reuters could not independently confirm the activists’ allegations.
Spain joined other Western nations Thursday in expressing outrage after Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a video of himself ridiculing the activists while they were restrained on a prison floor.
Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on the Palestinian territories, has urged accountability for those involved in the Bilbao airport incident, while Amnesty International has called for a comprehensive investigation.
The Israeli Embassy in Spain has requested an “explanation” from the Spanish government regarding the airport events.
