Italy and France have denounced as unacceptable the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. Both countries summoned Israel's ambassadors after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists detained at the port of Ashdod.
Ben-Gvir's actions prompted rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated they were not in line with Israel's values. A rights group representing the 430 participants from over 40 countries who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is demanding their immediate release.
The flotilla aimed to highlight the harsh conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, though Israel dismissed it as a PR stunt at the service of Hamas. More than 50 boats took part in the flotilla, setting sail from Turkey last Thursday, before being intercepted by armed Israeli commandos in international waters near Cyprus.
Following the incident, Ben-Gvir posted a video on social media captioned Welcome to Israel, where he encouraged security personnel as they detained activists. His display of arrogance included waving an Israeli flag and making disparaging remarks towards the detained activists.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, calling for an apology for the mistreatment of Italian citizens among the detainees. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed similar sentiments, insisting that all nationals involved must be treated with dignity and released.
Rights group Adalah stated that the footage from Ben-Gvir exemplified Israel’s policy of abuse and humiliation against activists. As tensions rise, calls for the immediate release of the flotilla participants grow louder from the international community.
