The United Kingdom has summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain over an “inflammatory” video of detainees posted by the country’s security minister. Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir drew international condemnation for sharing footage that taunted international activists who were held in Israel after taking part in an aid flotilla attempting to breach the nation’s blockade of Gaza.
On Thursday, the Israeli charge d’affaires, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The department stated that the move reflected the UK’s “strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.” It added, “This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people.”
Mrs. Grudsky Ekstein is the most senior Israeli diplomat in the UK, as there is currently no ambassador in place. The Government has also expressed concern over the detention conditions depicted in the video and has demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. The Foreign Office is in touch with the families of a number of British activists detained in Israel and stands ready to provide consular support.
More than 400 people, including several British nationals and the sister of the president of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, have been detained after the attempt organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla.
