The UK has joined a wave of international condemnation after Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, published a video showing Israeli security forces abusing international activists detained while trying to sail aid to Gaza. British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was 'truly appalled' by the footage, which she said 'violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity'. She confirmed she was in contact with families of British citizens held by Israel.
The video, posted by Ben-Gvir on social media, shows dozens of men and women kneeling with their foreheads to the ground and hands zip-tied behind their backs. The minister is seen waving an Israeli flag and taunting the detainees, including shouting in the face of one bound man. Three activists were taken to hospital after the interception, and dozens more reported suspected broken ribs and breathing problems.
The rights group Adalah reported 'systemic violations of due process' and 'widespread physical and psychological abuse'. The Spanish foreign minister called the treatment 'monstrous, disgraceful and inhumane', while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded the release of Italian citizens and an apology. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, described Ben-Gvir's behaviour as 'despicable'.
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland also condemned the actions. New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters said the country had a travel ban on Ben-Gvir and that his latest conduct was 'further vindication' of that position. Three New Zealanders were among those detained. The European Council president Antonio Costa called for the immediate release of all flotilla members.
The flotilla, organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla, involved more than 400 activists from 40 countries on 50 vessels, carrying food and aid from Turkey. Israeli forces intercepted the boats in international waters on Tuesday. The incident comes seven months after a ceasefire in Gaza, where hunger is widespread and most Palestinians live in inadequate shelters.
