A video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands tied has triggered widespread international condemnation.
The footage, shared on Ben Gvir’s X account after Israeli forces intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla vessels, showed dozens of foreign activists kneeling with their foreheads on the ground while Israel’s national anthem played in the background.
The activists were detained after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla at sea and transported those onboard to the southern Israeli port of Ashdod.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the minister’s conduct, describing it as inconsistent with Israel’s values and norms, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the display had harmed the country’s image.
The incident also drew criticism from several countries and international officials, including the European Union, Canada, France and Ireland, with some governments summoning Israeli ambassadors over the matter.
Rights group Adalah accused Israeli authorities of humiliating the detained activists, while Ben Gvir defended the operation and described the flotilla participants as supporters of terrorism.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, involving around 50 vessels, departed Turkey last week in an attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
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