Poland Summons Israeli Envoy, Demands Release of Detained Activists and Apology
Poland's Response to Detention of Gaza Flotilla Activists
Summoning of Israeli Diplomat
WARSAW, May 21 (Reuters) - Poland's foreign minister said on Thursday he had summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires over the detention of Gaza flotilla activists, including Polish nationals, demanding their immediate release and an apology.
Official Condemnation and Demands
Statement from Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski
"Poland firmly condemns the conduct of representatives of the Israeli authorities towards activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by the Israeli army, including Polish citizens," Radoslaw Sikorski said on X.
Expectations for Treatment and Consular Access
He said Poland expected its citizens to be treated in line with international standards, and that consular officials were seeking access to detainees.
Demand for Apology
The Israeli chargé d’affaires had been summoned "to convey our outrage and demand an apology for the extremely inappropriate behavior of a member of the Israeli government", he added.
Details of the Detention Incident
Treatment of Activists
Israeli police on Wednesday forced activists who were aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to kneel on the ground in rows with their hands tied behind their backs while a minister looked on, drawing criticism from foreign leaders and even from inside Israel's own government.
International and Domestic Reactions
(Reporting by Barbara Erling and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
