Intense condemnation has erupted within the international community regarding Israel’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists aboard the aid flotilla bound for Gaza. In protest, various countries—including Britain, Australia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain—have summoned the Israeli ambassadors stationed in their respective nations. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was compelled to condemn the minister’s conduct. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, released a video in which he is seen mocking activists who were kneeling with their hands bound. Subsequently, several nations—including the United States, Britain, France, Italy, and Canada—expressed outrage over the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized this behavior.
Such criticism from Netanyahu is rare. He stated that this conduct is not consistent with Israel’s values. This report was carried by BBC Online.
A rights organization representing 430 activists from over 40 countries—who participated in the “Global Sumud Flotilla”—has demanded their immediate release. Carrying a modest amount of aid, the flotilla set sail with the specific aim of highlighting to the world the dire situation facing Palestinians in war-torn Gaza. However, Israel labeled the initiative a staged public relations “stunt” orchestrated on behalf of Hamas. Last Thursday, more than 50 vessels departed from Turkey as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. On Monday morning, in international waters west of Cyprus—approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza—Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the convoy. Israel has maintained a long-standing maritime blockade on Gaza.
The organizers of the flotilla claim that all the vessels had been intercepted by Tuesday evening. Of these, one ship managed to reach within 80 nautical miles of Palestinian territory. They allege that Israel committed an illegal act of aggression in international waters. According to their account, Israeli commandos opened fire on six vessels, deployed water cannons, and deliberately rammed one of the ships. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that no live ammunition was used. They emphasized that Israel would not tolerate any attempt to breach the legitimate naval blockade of Gaza. The Ministry further added that all activists had been transferred to Israeli vessels and would be given the opportunity to meet with their respective consular representatives upon their arrival in Israel.
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli human rights organization Adalah reported that the activists had been transported to Israeli territory entirely against their will and were being detained at the Port of Ashdod. The organization stated, “Our legal team will challenge the legality of this detention order and demand the immediate release of all flotilla participants.”
Meanwhile, far-right nationalist leader Ben-Gvir oversees the Israeli police in his capacity as Minister of National Security. On Wednesday afternoon, he posted a video on social media. The video was captioned: “Welcome to Israel.” The footage shows him touring a detention facility at the Port of Ashdod, where the flotilla activists were being held. At one point, he is seen encouraging security personnel as they forcibly pinned down a female activist who was chanting, “Free, free Palestine.” Subsequently, Ben-Gvir is seen waving a large Israeli flag, standing beside numerous activists who were kneeling with their hands bound behind their backs. Speaking in Hebrew, he declared, “Welcome to Israel. We are the owners here.”
In another scene, several activists are shown kneeling on the deck of a ship, while the Israeli national anthem plays in the background. Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, described Ben-Gvir’s conduct as “appalling.” British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the video depicted “deeply shameful scenes.” She announced that the Israeli embassy had been summoned to provide an “urgent explanation.” Earlier, he stated that contact is being maintained with the families of several British citizens involved in the incident, and they are being provided with consular assistance.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Israel’s conduct as “abhorrent” and announced that he has ordered the Israeli ambassador to be summoned. In a post on X, Carney asserted that the protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned Ben-Gvir, stating that the conduct of the Israeli authorities was “degrading.” Australia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain have declared that Ben-Gvir’s conduct is “unacceptable” and have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective countries.
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee stated that the video showed participants—who were “illegally detained” and included Irish citizens—being treated “with absolutely no dignity or respect.” Adalah asserted that the video serves as proof that Israel is implementing a criminal policy of torture and humiliation against activists.
In a rare occurrence, Israel’s Foreign Minister also expressed his own. Members of the Knesset joined in the criticism of their colleague. On X, Gideon Sa’ar wrote: “Through this shameful display, you have knowingly harmed our state—and this is not the first time.” In response, Ben-Gvir quickly retorted, stating that the Foreign Minister ought to understand that Israel is no longer a state that bows to external pressure.
Subsequently, Netanyahu also clarified his stance. In a statement, he asserted that Israel possesses the full right to prevent a Hamas-supporting, provocative flotilla from entering its territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, he noted that the manner in which Minister Ben-Gvir treated the activists was inconsistent with Israel’s values and principles. He further announced that he had issued orders to expel the “provocateurs” from the country as swiftly as possible.
The flotilla organizers stated that the activists were transporting food, baby formula, and medical aid for the Palestinians in Gaza. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas last October, the majority of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents remain displaced and are facing a severe humanitarian crisis. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has claimed that Gaza is “flooded” with aid. According to their statement, over 1.5 million tons of aid—including thousands of tons of medical supplies—have entered the territory over the past seven months. Last week, the United Nations reported that, lacking safe alternatives, many displaced families in Gaza are still compelled to take shelter in severely damaged buildings or overcrowded tents.
The agency noted that basic services remain limited due to an irregular supply of clean water and inadequate waste management systems. Infestations of rats and insects have also emerged as a serious problem. Furthermore, the UN reported that humanitarian operations are being hampered by restrictions on the importation of critical spare parts, backup generators, and other essential equipment. Additionally, there is a shortage of vital supplies such as fuel and engine oil. According to the agency’s data, only 86 percent of the humanitarian aid approved by Israel for entry into Gaza in April ultimately managed to cross the border; the remaining aid was turned back. The Gaza War began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and another 251 were taken hostage.
In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza. According to data from the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 72,770 people have been killed since then.
