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11 nations summon Israeli envoys after minister’s video shows mistreatment of Gaza Flotilla activists

By The South Asia Times

ISTANBUL - Eleven countries, including eight European nations, have summoned Israeli ambassadors or senior diplomats for official reprimands following a video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that shows him overseeing the mistreatment of detained activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, according to Anadolu Agency report.

The minute-long video, which Ben-Gvir shared on social media, shows him taunting pro-Palestinian activists who are zip-tied and forced to kneel on what appears to be the deck of a ship. Walking among them while waving an Israeli flag, Ben-Gvir declares, “Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.” In one clip, a handcuffed activist shouting “Free Palestine” is pushed to the ground as the minister passes by.

The flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, departed last Thursday from Marmaris, Turkey, in an attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza -- imposed since 2007 and widely considered illegal under international law. Israeli forces intercepted the mission in international waters on Monday, seizing all 50 vessels and detaining everyone aboard.

Britain summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires, condemning the “inflammatory video” as a violation of “the most basic standards of respect and dignity.” Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Poland also summoned Israeli envoys, with Spain’s foreign minister calling the treatment “monstrous, inhumane, and disgraceful.”

Outside Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada summoned Israeli ambassadors. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong demanded the immediate release of 11 Australian nationals detained, stating: “The images are shocking and unacceptable. We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities.”

New Zealand -- which imposed a travel ban on Ben-Gvir last year -- directed its foreign ministry to summon the Israeli ambassador. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced Israel’s “abominable” treatment of activists and demanded safety assurances for Canadians involved.

Pakistan confirmed that humanitarian worker Saad Edhi was among those detained and demanded the immediate release of all activists. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and the Maldives also issued strong condemnations, with Sri Lanka seeking consular access to its detained national.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly rebuked Ben-Gvir over the video, but no official apology has been issued.