UK summons Israel's charge d'affaires after video of Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting activists causes outcry

The UK summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires as international outrage grew over a video posted by Itamar Ben-Gvir showing taunting of activists detained after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted. Israel began releasing hundreds of the activists and is deporting them, according to a legal organization working with the flotilla. Italy’s foreign minister asked the EU foreign policy chief to discuss sanctions on Ben-Gvir, citing unacceptable acts committed against activists seized in international waters and subjected to harassment and humiliation. Poland called for a ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country based on the video showing handcuffed, kneeling detainees. Britain condemned the treatment, demanded explanations about detention conditions, and emphasized obligations to protect rights and dignity. Human rights groups reported systemic torture and abuse of Palestinians in Israeli detention during the Gaza war, and the flotilla activists’ humiliating treatment drew unusually strong condemnation.

"The UK has summoned Israel's charge d'affaires as international outrage escalates over a video posted by the national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, in which he is seen taunting activists detained after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted. The global outcry continued as Israel began releasing hundreds of the activists who attempted to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and are in the process of deporting them, according to a legal organisation working with the flotilla."

"Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani,, said on Thursday he had asked EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, to discuss sanctions on Ben-Gvir, for the unacceptable acts committed against the flotilla, seizing the activists in international waters and subjecting them to harassment and humiliation, in violation of the most basic human rights. Poland's foreign ministry said it was calling for a ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country over the video showing the far-right minister taunting detained flotilla activists who were handcuffed and kneeling."

"Britain's Foreign Office issued a statement harshly denouncing the treatment of the arrested activists. This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people. We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved, it said."

"Human rights groups have documented widespread, systemic torture and abuse of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and detention centres during Israel's war in Gaza, prompted by the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023. But the humiliating treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists, has drawn unusually strong international condemnation of Israel, reflecting growing frustration with the country's policies in Gaza, Lebanon and in its joint war with the US against Iran."

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