US senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen are the latest officials to criticise Israel for its mistreatment of detainees who were onboard the Global Sumud aid flotilla.
In a post on X with a video attached showing far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir abusing detainees, Van Hollen described his conduct as “abhorrent,” adding that Washington should have sanctioned him “long ago”.
Meanwhile, Merkley described Ben Gvir’s treatment of the detainees as “disgusting and inhumane”.
“When we see images of Gaza – destroyed communities and desperate families – we know why people are called to action,” he added.
This is how National Security Minister Ben-Gvir treats detainees when he knows the cameras are rolling — to say nothing of what happens to Palestinians behind closed doors.
This conduct is abhorrent. He should’ve been sanctioned by the U.S. long ago. https://t.co/7SSPAutLoF
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 20, 2026
