Italy, France, and Canada have denounced as 'unacceptable' the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. Israel's ambassadors to these countries were summoned after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.
Ben-Gvir's actions drew rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were 'not in line with Israel's values.' A rights group representing the 430 participants from over 40 countries demanded their release. The flotilla, carrying symbolic aid, aimed to highlight dire conditions in Gaza, which Israel dismissed as a 'PR stunt at the service of Hamas.'
On Monday, Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus. Organizers accused Israel of 'illegal, high-seas aggression,' claiming commandos fired at six boats, used water cannons, and intentionally rammed one vessel. The Israeli foreign ministry said no live ammunition was used and insisted it would not permit any breach of the naval blockade.
The activists were detained at Ashdod port. Ben-Gvir's video, captioned 'Welcome to Israel,' shows him waving an Israeli flag as activists kneel. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment 'intolerable,' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed 'indignation,' and Canadian Minister Anita Anand said the video was 'deeply troubling.'
In an unusual move, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Ben-Gvir, saying he 'knowingly caused harm to our state.' Netanyahu ordered the 'deportation of the provocateurs as soon as possible.' The UN reports that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe, with many displaced families sheltering in tents and limited access to basic services.
The Gaza war began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed over 72,770 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Source: www.bbc.com