Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he posted a video showing him mocking and taunting activists detained while attempting to sail a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. The footage shows dozens of people kneeling with their hands zip-tied, as Ben-Gvir waves an Israeli flag and shouts, 'Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.'
Eleven Australian activists were among those taken into custody by Israeli forces off the coast of Cyprus earlier this week. It is unclear if they appear in the video. Wong described the images as 'shocking and unacceptable' and said Australia has sanctioned Ben-Gvir. She has instructed Australia's ambassador to Israel to demand the release of the detained Australians and ensure no ill treatment.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry condemned Ben-Gvir's 'humiliating and disgraceful treatment' of the activists, while the Jewish Council of Australia called for stronger sanctions and the expulsion of Israel's ambassador. Rights group Adalah reported 'systematic violations of due process and widespread physical and psychological abuse' by Israeli authorities, including allegations of broken ribs, sexual harassment, and humiliation.
The mother of one Australian detainee, Zack Schofield, said her son had begun a hunger strike, making his release 'even more urgent'. Simon Jones, head of the flotilla's Australian delegation, urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to join international condemnation and consider sending the Israeli ambassador home.
