Spanish police detain four at Bilbao airport after Gaza activist clash

Spanish authorities arrested four people in Bilbao airport’s arrivals hall after a confrontation erupted when supporters gathered to welcome six activists who had flown in from Turkey following their detention by Israeli forces. A relative of one activist attempted to approach the group, prompting a police officer to use force, which led to scuffles between the crowd and law‑enforcement. The four detainees were charged with serious disobedience, resistance to arrest and assault on officers, according to the Basque regional police (Ertzaintza), which opened an internal investigation to assess whether police conduct complied with procedures.

The incident is linked to a broader crackdown on pro‑Palestinian activists who tried to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Hundreds were detained in Israel, including 44 Spanish nationals. Additional activists from the flotilla landed in Barcelona, where they were received by supporters, among them Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun.