Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada, strongly condemned Israel’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a controversial video online.
The video showed Ben-Gvir mocking activists who were kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Gaza. The flotilla was carrying symbolic humanitarian aid and aimed to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
More than 430 activists from over 40 countries participated in the flotilla mission. Organisers said Israeli commandos intercepted the boats west of Cyprus and accused Israeli forces of using aggressive tactics, including water cannons and ramming vessels.
Israel rejected the allegations and described the flotilla as a “public relations stunt”. Israeli authorities stated that no live ammunition was used and that the activists would receive consular access after arriving in Israel.
The controversy intensified after Ben-Gvir shared footage from Ashdod port detention facilities, where activists were seen kneeling while Israeli security personnel guarded them. In the video, Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and declared, “We are the masters.”
The footage triggered strong international criticism. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the scenes as “totally disgraceful,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the treatment “abominable.” Australia, France, Spain, Belgium, Ireland and several other countries also criticised the incident and summoned Israeli ambassadors for explanations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also distanced himself from Ben-Gvir’s actions, saying the behaviour was “not in line with Israel’s values.”
Human rights organisation Adalah, representing the activists, demanded the immediate release of all detainees and accused Israel of humiliating and abusing the participants.
The incident has further increased international scrutiny over Israel’s actions related to Gaza and the ongoing regional tensions.
