Far-right Israeli minister condemned after taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and France have strongly condemned the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists detained after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, prompting rare diplomatic criticism of Israeli officials.
The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a convoy of more than 50 boats carrying participants from over 40 countries, which set out from Turkey last week aiming to highlight humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Israeli authorities intercepted the flotilla in international waters west of Cyprus, far from the Gaza coastline, and later detained around 430 activists after seizing the vessels.
The Israeli government described the mission as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas” and said it would not allow any breach of its maritime blockade on Gaza.
However, organisers of the flotilla accused Israel of “illegal, high-seas aggression,” claiming that naval forces used water cannon, rammed vessels, and opened fire on multiple boats—claims Israel denies.
The situation escalated further after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing him visiting detained activists at the port of Ashdod.
In the footage, Ben-Gvir is seen standing over handcuffed activists, encouraging security forces, and stating: “We are the masters,” while activists are shown kneeling with their hands tied. The video sparked immediate international backlash.
The governments of Italy and France condemned the treatment as “unacceptable,” with both countries summoning Israel’s ambassadors in response.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the footage was “intolerable,” adding that it violated human dignity and demanded an apology.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also criticized the actions, stressing that detained nationals must be treated with respect and released promptly.
The controversy deepened when Israel’s own Foreign Minister publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir, saying the video “disgracefully” damaged Israel’s international standing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later distanced himself from the incident, stating that while Israel has the right to enforce its naval blockade, Ben-Gvir’s behavior “is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.”
Netanyahu also ordered the swift deportation of the detained activists.
Human rights group Adalah, which represents many of the detainees, said the activists were being held “entirely against their will” and vowed to challenge the legality of the detentions.
The group accused Israeli authorities of mistreatment and humiliation, citing footage of detainees being forced to kneel while national symbols were displayed during their detention.
Israel maintains that no live ammunition was used during the interception and insists that its naval blockade on Gaza is lawful.
The flotilla organizers said their mission was purely humanitarian, carrying food, baby formula, and medical supplies for civilians in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate after months of conflict.
Israeli officials countered that Gaza has received substantial aid in recent months, claiming over 1.5 million tonnes of supplies have entered the territory.
However, United Nations agencies have repeatedly warned that aid distribution remains severely constrained, with shortages of clean water, fuel, and medical equipment continuing to affect civilians.
The UN has also reported that many displaced families remain in overcrowded shelters with limited sanitation, while aid deliveries are often delayed or partially blocked.
The Gaza conflict began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the taking of 251 hostages.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, according to health authorities in the territory, alongside widespread destruction and displacement.
The latest diplomatic fallout underscores growing international sensitivity around humanitarian access to Gaza and the treatment of activists involved in high-profile aid missions.
