Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has triggered a wave of condemnation after releasing footage of detained Gaza flotilla activists at Ashdod Port. The video showed the activists being restrained and humiliated following the Israeli Navy’s interception of the aid vessel.
Israeli Minister Mocks Gaza Activists
In the video, Ben-Gvir is seen waving an Israeli flag in front of the handcuffed detainees while declaring, “We’re the ones in charge here,” as officers forcibly remove activists protesting Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces had interepted the “Sumud Flotilla” as it attempted to sail toward Gaza by defying the naval blockade.
The activists said they were trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, but Israeli authorities stopped the vessel before it could reach the territory. After arriving at Ashdod Port, the detained activists were shown kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs while security officers stood around them.
The minister later posted a video from the port on his X handle on Wednesday. While waving an Israeli flag in front of the detainees, he reportedly said, “They arrived here so proudly, like great heroes. Look at them now. They are no heroes… they are nothing. Terror supporters. Welcome to Israel. We are the masters here.” In the same video, a woman is heard shouting “Free Palestine” while she was forcibly dragged away by officers.
Video Sparks Outrage, Italy Demands Apology
The video quickly went viral and sparked backlash from several countries, including Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Turkey. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the treatment of the activists “humiliating and unacceptable for a democratic state.” Italy has particularly demanded explanations and an apology from Israel over the incident.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, "The images involving Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are unacceptable. It is inadmissible that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to treatment that violates human dignity." Italy’s Foreign Ministry also said it will summon the Israeli ambassador for formal clarification over the incident.
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How Did Netanyahu React?
The controversy also created criticism inside Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distancing himself from Ben-Gvir’s actions. In a post on X, Netanyahu defended Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla but also criticised the action of Ben-Gvir.
He said, “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”
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