Kiwi pair detained during Global Sumud Flotilla to arrive back in NZ

· RNZ
The "Global Sumud Flotilla," carrying international activists and journalists, aims to sail across the Mediterranean Sea to Gaza to challenge the ongoing blockade and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.Photo: AFP / Murat Kocabas

Two New Zealanders detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla are set to soon arrive back in Auckland.

Global Movement to Gaza said Hāhona Ormsby and Mousa Taher would arrive at Auckland Airport just before 1.30pm.

The group alleges mistreatment while in custody and is calling for sanctions on Israel and the release of Palestinian detainees.

A video posted by Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, showing him taunting detained flotilla activists, drew international condemnation.

In a statement on X, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand condemned Ben-Gvir's behaviour.

"Last year, New Zealand placed a travel ban on Minister Ben-Gvir for severely and deliberately undermining peace and security and removing prospects for a two state solution."

The claims have not been independently verified.

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