Outrage grows over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

Outrage spread across Western capitals after Israel’s far-right security minister released a video showing Gaza-bound flotilla activists pinned to the ground, a scene that quickly deepened into a diplomatic row when two detainees later alleged they were physically assaulted in custody.

The handling of the activists by police officers operating under Itamar Ben-Gvir’s authority also prompted criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and from the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally.

The activists had been trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when Israeli naval forces intercepted their vessel yesterday in international waters. Israel’s foreign ministry said they were deported from Israel today.

Across Europe, governments summoned Israeli ambassadors to denounce the video.

European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “appalled” by the treatment of the Global Sumund Flotilla members.

“This behaviour is ⁠completely unacceptable. We call for their ⁠immediate release,” Mr Costa wrote on social media.

Italy demanded an apology, Spain said it would not tolerate the maltreatment of its citizens, and France called for the detainees to be released.

The UK foreign ministry said the video “violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people”, while Poland’s foreign minister called for Mr Ben-Gvir to be barred from entering the country.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the minister had “betrayed (the) dignity of his nation”.

The backlash follows the release of campaign-style videos by Mr Ben-Gvir and at least one other member of Mr Netanyahu’s government, transport minister Miri Regev, showing them at Ashdod port castigating the protesters.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the activists’ arrest at sea appeared to be unlawful, adding that any maltreatment should be investigated and those responsible held accountable.

“It is not a crime to show solidarity and bring humanitarian assistance to the people who are in dire need of it in Gaza,” spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan said.

Two Italian activists allege physical assault

Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani, one of several activists separated from the others and flown home, said he was beaten while in Israeli detention in what he described as a container, calling it a “place of terror”.

“‘Beat you up’ means they kicked me in the legs and punched me in the face. These are people who know what they are doing, so I don’t have any major visible marks … They would beat you up and would tell you ‘Welcome to Israel’,” he told reporters on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Another Italian activist, Dario Carotenuto, a politician from the 5-Star Movement, said he had been punched in the eye and kicked during detention.

Israel’s foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the activists’ allegations.

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Activists involved in earlier flotillas intercepted by Israel have also said they were abused by Israeli forces, an allegation Israeli officials have rejected.

Organisers of the flotilla said the mission was intended to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by bringing in humanitarian aid, which charities say remains in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since last October and includes guarantees of increased assistance.

The vessels set sail from southern Turkey earlier this week before being intercepted yesterday.

Previous flotillas were likewise stopped by Israel, with participants later deported.

Israeli rights group Adalah said an estimated 430 activists had been released from prison in southern Israel.

Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan said his country was arranging special flights to bring home Turkish citizens as well as participants from third countries.

“We will continue to uphold the rights of our citizens and fulfil our humanitarian responsibility toward civilians in Gaza,” Mr Fidan said.

Taunting of activists comes ahead of Israeli election

Mr Ben-Gvir’s video shows officers forcing an activist to the ground after she chants “Free, free Palestine”.

Dozens of detainees are also shown kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.

In the background, soldiers carrying guns can be seen patrolling from aboard a military vessel.

During Israel’s military assault on Gaza, launched after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, troops frequently lined up detained Palestinians on the ground with their hands bound.

“Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything,” Mr Ben-Gvir says in the video as he walks past the activists carrying an Israeli flag.

Mr Netanyahu said the minister’s conduct was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.

Mr Ben-Gvir draws support from some of Israel’s most nationalist voters, a constituency that Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party has sought to court ahead of national elections, the next of which is due by 27 October.

This week, Israel edged closer to a snap election after politicians gave initial approval to dissolve parliament.

Canada and Spain are among the countries that have imposed sanctions on Mr Ben-Gvir and far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing allegations that they incited violence against Palestinians.

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