International Backlash Over Israeli Minister’s Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists
By Jana Choukeir
May 21 (Reuters) - Israel faced mounting international criticism after its national security minister released a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound following the interception of aid vessels in international waters.
Global Reactions to the Gaza Flotilla Incident
Below are some national and international reactions to the footage posted on X by the minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Wednesday:
European Responses
European Union
European Council President Antonio Costa said he was "appalled" by Ben-Gvir's treatment of aid flotilla members attempting to enter Gaza. "This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release," Costa said.
Italy
Italy's government said that Israel's treatment of flotilla activists was unacceptable and that it would summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded an apology for the activists' treatment and what they called Israel's "total disrespect" for Italy's requests.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the images were unacceptable and said Spain "will not tolerate anyone mistreating our citizens." Sanchez added that his government would push for Spain's ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country to be urgently extended across the European Union.
France
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he had summoned the Israeli ambassador after the video emerged, calling Ben-Gvir's actions "unacceptable." Barrot said French citizens must be treated with respect and freed as soon as possible, while adding that he opposed the flotilla's approach.
Netherlands
The Netherlands will summon Israel's ambassador over what it called the "unacceptable" treatment of the activists. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the images were "shocking", adding he had raised the matter with Israel's foreign minister.
United Kingdom
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "truly appalled" by the video. Cooper said Britain had demanded an explanation from Israel and stressed its obligation to protect the rights of British citizens and others detained.
Other International Reactions
Canada
Canada said it would summon the Israeli ambassador in protest at the video, described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as "deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable." Prime Minister Mark Carney later described Israel's treatment of the detained activists as "abominable" and "unacceptable."
The United States
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the detained activists, saying that while the flotilla was a "stupid stunt," Ben-Gvir had "betrayed the dignity" of Israel with his handling of the detainees.
Domestic Response in Israel
Government Officials' Statements
The backlash also prompted criticism within Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but said Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists was "not in line with Israel's values and norms". Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the activists, saying he had harmed Israel in a "disgraceful display" and undermined the work of Israeli soldiers and diplomats.
Public Criticism
"No, you are not the face of Israel," Saar said in a post on X.
(Reporting by Reuters bureaux and Jana Choukeir, Editing by William Maclean)
