Israeli security minister stirs diplomatic outrage with flotilla activist abuse video

Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published footage showing Israeli security forces abusing international activists detained while attempting to sail to Gaza with aid. The video depicts detainees kneeling in rows with foreheads to the ground and hands zip-tied behind their backs, while Ben-Gvir waves an Israeli flag and taunts detainees. Governments of countries whose citizens were onboard responded rapidly, with leaders and foreign ministers condemning the treatment and demanding action. The US ambassador to Israel called the behavior despicable and said it betrayed the dignity of the nation. Italy demanded release of Italian citizens involved and an apology, while Spain and the UK condemned the conduct as inhumane and violating basic standards of respect and dignity. The flotilla involved more than 400 activists from 40 countries on 50 vessels departing from Turkey with food and other aid.

"Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sparked a diplomatic crisis by publishing footage of Israeli security forces abusing international activists who were detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. There was a rapid and furious response from countries whose citizens were onboard the boats, including the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland, in many cases delivered in person from the top of government."

"The video includes images of dozens of men and women kneeling in rows, with their foreheads to the ground and their hands zip-tied behind their back. Ben-Gvir appears waving an Israeli flag, mocking and taunting the detainees, including shouting: The people of Israel live in the face of one bound man. Israeli minister Ben-Gvir posts video taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists video Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said the images were unacceptable, and demanded the release of all Italian citizens involved, along with an apology for the mistreatment and the display of total contempt toward the Italian government."

"The Spanish foreign minister called the treatment monstrous, disgraceful and inhumane. His British counterpart, Yvette Cooper, said she was truly appalled by the video, which violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated, and added that she was in touch with the families of British citizens held by Israel. More than 400 activists from 40 countries, travelling on 50 vessels, took part in the flotilla, organisers said. It set off from Turkey carrying food and other aid, i"

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