Italy and France have denounced as unacceptable the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces near Cyprus. Both countries summoned Israel's ambassadors after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists detained at the port of Ashdod. His actions prompted rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were not in line with Israel's values. A rights group representing the 430 participants from more than 40 countries who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has demanded their immediate release. The flotilla, which carried a token amount of aid, set out to highlight the tough conditions for Palestinians in war-torn Gaza. Israel dismissed it as a PR stunt at the service of Hamas.
The flotilla set sail from Turkey last Thursday, and by Monday morning, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus, approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza, which is under Israeli maritime blockade. The GSF's organizers condemned Israel for illegal, high-seas aggression, alleging that Israeli commandos used force against six boats, including opening fire and ramming a vessel. However, the Israeli foreign ministry insisted that no live ammunition was used and that it would not tolerate any breach of the lawful blockade.
Ben-Gvir, known for his nationalist rhetoric, issued a welcome to the detained activists in a video that drew swift condemnation from international leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated it was intolerable for Italian nationals to be treated in such a manner, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that all nationals involved deserved respect. The Legal team of Adalah, an Israeli rights group, challenged the legality of the detentions, asserting that the activists were subjected to humiliation. Despite declaring that Gaza was flooded with aid, Israel's foreign ministry reported ongoing issues regarding basic living conditions in Gaza following the recent conflict triggered on October 7, 2023, leading to severe humanitarian needs among its population.
The flotilla set sail from Turkey last Thursday, and by Monday morning, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus, approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza, which is under Israeli maritime blockade. The GSF's organizers condemned Israel for illegal, high-seas aggression, alleging that Israeli commandos used force against six boats, including opening fire and ramming a vessel. However, the Israeli foreign ministry insisted that no live ammunition was used and that it would not tolerate any breach of the lawful blockade.
Ben-Gvir, known for his nationalist rhetoric, issued a welcome to the detained activists in a video that drew swift condemnation from international leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated it was intolerable for Italian nationals to be treated in such a manner, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that all nationals involved deserved respect. The Legal team of Adalah, an Israeli rights group, challenged the legality of the detentions, asserting that the activists were subjected to humiliation. Despite declaring that Gaza was flooded with aid, Israel's foreign ministry reported ongoing issues regarding basic living conditions in Gaza following the recent conflict triggered on October 7, 2023, leading to severe humanitarian needs among its population.
