Israel faced sharp international condemnation Wednesday after its national security minister posted a video on X showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound, footage that European and British officials described as a violation of basic human dignity.
The video was posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following Israel's interception of aid vessels in international waters bound for Gaza. It drew immediate backlash from the European Union, Britain, and Italy, triggering diplomatic protests and calls for sanctions.
European Council President Antonio Costa was among the first to respond, saying he was "appalled" by Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists.
"This behaviour is completely unacceptable," Costa said. "We call for their immediate release."
Britain took a stronger diplomatic step, summoning Israel's chargé d'affaires over the footage.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "truly appalled," with the British Foreign Ministry adding that the video's content "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people."
Italy escalated its response further.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on EU foreign ministers to discuss imposing targeted sanctions on Ben-Gvir at their next meeting over what he described as "unacceptable acts," including the harassment and humiliation of the activists.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined Tajani in demanding a formal apology, with both officials condemning what they called Israel's "total disrespect" for Italy's diplomatic requests regarding its nationals among the detainees.
Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters as the vessels attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Activists aboard were detained, and Ben-Gvir subsequently posted footage of the detainees kneeling, hands bound, a move that drew immediate accusations of deliberate humiliation.
There was no immediate comment from Ben-Gvir's office in response to the international criticism. Israel has not announced when or whether the activists will be released.
The incident deepens an already strained relationship between Israel and its European allies over the conduct of its military campaign in Gaza.
Italy's call for sanctions against a sitting Israeli minister marks one of the sharpest diplomatic responses from an EU member state since the conflict escalated.
With the EU's foreign policy chief expected to take up the matter at the next ministerial meeting, Wednesday's footage may accelerate pressure on Israel at a moment when its international standing is already under scrutiny.
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