The United Kingdom has strongly condemned an Israeli cabinet minister for "taunting" pro-Palestinian activists who were detained after participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed being "truly appalled" by a video posted by Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which she stated "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated."
UK Demands Explanation
In a formal statement, Cooper said: "We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved." She criticized the "taunting" of individuals associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla, emphasizing the need for humane treatment.
International Backlash
Italy and France have also denounced the video as "unacceptable." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked: "It is intolerable that these protesters, among whom there are many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment, which violates human dignity." She added: "Italy also demands an apology for the treatment inflicted on these demonstrators and for the total disregard shown towards the explicit requests of the Italian government."
Video Footage Details
The footage, released by Ben-Gvir, shows him walking among approximately 430 detained activists, flanked by police and soldiers, while waving a large Israeli flag. He told them: "Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords." The video depicts dozens of people kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs inside a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port and on the deck of a ship. At one point, a handcuffed activist shouted "Free Palestine" as Ben-Gvir passed by and was immediately pushed to the ground by security personnel.
Ben-Gvir's Statements
In a second video, Ben-Gvir stated that the activists "came here all full of pride like big heroes. Look at them now," while appealing to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for permission to jail them. He also told detained activists they should remain in prison for a "long, long time."
Context of the Flotilla
Israel has described the flotilla as "a PR stunt at the service of Hamas" with no genuine intent to deliver aid to Gaza, noting the boats carried only a symbolic amount of aid. On Monday, the Israeli navy intercepted 41 boats from the flotilla in international waters off Cyprus and detained those on board.
Ongoing Reactions
The UK, Italy, and France continue to press for accountability and adherence to international norms regarding the treatment of detainees. The incident has further strained diplomatic relations, with calls for the release of the activists and an end to what critics view as degrading treatment.
