Ten countries, including seven European countries, have summoned Israeli ambassadors and representatives over a video showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir overseeing the mistreatment of detained activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
Ben-Gvir’s video on social media showed himself taunting the pro-Palestinian activists, who were zip-tied and forced to kneel after being abducted by Israeli forces from international waters.
The minister sparked outrage both domestically and internationally after he posted the minute-long video.
Israeli forces attacked the aid mission in international waters on Monday and detained all activists on board.
The flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, departed last Thursday from the Turkish district of Marmaris in a new attempt to break the illegal Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007.
Italy
Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest the treatment of Gaza-bound flotilla activists and demanded the release of its nationals still being held, the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry’s secretary-general, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, conveyed the Italian government’s “strong protest” over the matter.
Poland
Poland said Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Warsaw would be summoned to demand an apology over the treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists.
Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said the move was meant to convey Warsaw’s “outrage” over the “extremely inappropriate conduct” of a member of the Israeli government.
Spain
Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires after Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares condemned the “monstrous, inhumane, and disgraceful” treatment of the detained flotilla activists.
In a video shared on X, Albares said the footage showed activists being treated “unjustly and humiliatingly” by an Israeli minister and police.
France
France summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its “indignation” over the incident, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.
He added that Paris requested explanations from Israel over the treatment of flotilla activists.
