Gaza activists deported from Israel

The deportations follow a wave of global condemnation over a video showing the activists being mistreated and taunted by Israeli security forces.

Some of the returning volunteers have alleged they were physically assaulted and held in 'terror-like' conditions during their detention at the port of Ashdod.

Israel has defended the interception as a necessary measure to enforce its naval blockade of Gaza, which it describes as a security zone.

The incident has prompted several European governments to call for formal sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who personally oversaw the activists' treatment.