Israeli Activist Faces Charges for Blocking Ashdod Train Station During Gaza Aid Convoy

Reut Ben Haim, a resident of Netivot and mother of eight, as well as a co-founder of the activist group "Tzav 9," has been indicted for obstructing public officials and criminal trespassing. The indictment was filed at the Magistrate's Court in Kiryat Gat following an incident on May 27, 2025, at the Ashdod train station. According to the charges, Ben Haim blocked the entrance to the station around 8:58 a.m. by sitting on the floor wearing a shirt with the slogan "Return Them," preventing passengers from entering.

Security personnel, including the station's chief security officer, instructed her to leave, but she refused. She then moved to stand near the security checkpoint, interfering with the security staff's duties. The indictment accuses her of violating Section 275 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public official and Section 447(a) for criminal trespass. The charges relate to her role in protests that blocked humanitarian aid trucks destined for Gaza during the ongoing conflict.

The indictment was submitted by the Israeli Police's prosecution unit. At this stage, these are allegations, and no verdict has been reached regarding Ben Haim's case. The case highlights tensions surrounding aid deliveries to Gaza amid the war and the activism of groups opposing such convoys.