New york: Several European countries and lawmakers on Wednesday condemned Israel's treatment of activists detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Reactions came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition partner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage of the detained activists, intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, zip-tied and forced to kneel.
According to Anadolu Agency, France summoned Israel's ambassador to express 'indignation,' with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot calling Ben-Gvir's actions 'unacceptable' and demanding the release of French citizens 'as soon as possible.' Barrot emphasized that while Paris disapproved of the flotilla initiative, French nationals 'must be treated with respect and released as soon as possible.'
Spain also took diplomatic action by summoning Israel's charge d'affaires following Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares' denunciation of the 'monstrous', 'inhumane', and 'disgraceful' treatment of the activists. Albares demanded 'a public apology from Israel.'
Italy announced plans to summon Israel's ambassador after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the 'unacceptable' treatment of the activists. The Italian government stated it was taking steps 'at the highest institutional levels' to secure the release of Italians involved and demanded formal clarification and an apology from Israel.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed being 'truly appalled' by the footage, stating it violated 'the most basic standards of respect and dignity.' Cooper emphasized the need for Israeli authorities to protect the rights of all involved.
Belgium, through Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, described the treatment as 'deeply disturbing' and 'unacceptable.' Prevot criticized the public broadcast of the activists' humiliation on social media.
The incident also drew criticism from other European nations. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin condemned the treatment as 'shocking and unacceptable.' Greece called for full respect of international humanitarian law, while Poland and Portugal demanded explanations from Israel.
The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel. The convoy, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, aimed to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
Several European lawmakers called for sanctions against Israel, condemning the actions as 'piracy' and demanding the release of detainees. German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert and Italian opposition leader Giuseppe Conte criticized the treatment of activists, with calls for concrete actions and sanctions from other European political figures.
Irish lawmaker Paul Murphy and French European Parliament member Manon Aubry were among those demanding immediate sanctions and accountability for the detention of activists in international waters.