Israel Humiliates Samoud Flotilla Activists, Sparks International Outrage
Several European and Western governments summoned Israeli diplomats and demanded the immediate release of detained activists after footage showed them shackled and subjected to degrading treatment.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Footage showing the humiliation and mistreatment of activists from the Global Samoud Flotilla inside Israeli detention facilities has triggered a wave of international diplomatic outrage, prompting several European and Western states to summon Israeli ambassadors and demand urgent explanations.
The backlash erupted on Wednesday after extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing Samoud Flotilla activists handcuffed and forced to kneel on the ground during their detention, amid degrading and provocative treatment.
The activists were part of a civilian mission seeking to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
Spain Demands Apology and Immediate Release
Spain summoned Israeli chargé d’affaires Dan Poraz in protest against what it described as the brutal, degrading, and inhuman treatment of the activists.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said he had watched a “horrifying and disgraceful” video showing Israeli forces and Ben-Gvir treating flotilla activists in a humiliating and inhuman manner, noting that Spanish citizens were among them.
Albares said Madrid conveyed its “complete rejection and deep disgust” to Israel and demanded an official apology as well as the immediate release of the detainees.
European States Summon Israeli Envoys
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, condemned the conduct as “absolutely unacceptable” and incompatible with the basic values of European states.
The Netherlands also summoned the Israeli ambassador over the “unacceptable treatment” of the flotilla activists, while Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the images published by Ben-Gvir as “shocking” and a violation of human dignity.
Canada, Belgium, France, Italy, and Ireland also summoned Israeli diplomats or demanded official explanations, with several governments calling for the immediate release of all detained activists.
UK, Greece, Turkey, and Slovenia Condemn Israel
In the United Kingdom, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed “deep shock” over the footage, saying Ben-Gvir’s actions violated the most basic standards of respect and human dignity.
Greece strongly condemned Ben-Gvir’s abuse of the activists, while Turkey said the Israeli minister had used “verbal and physical violence” against the flotilla participants.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon called the treatment of the activists “horrifying and shocking,” stressing that such behavior has no place in any democratic society.
Ben-Gvir Seen Taunting Shackled Activists
The video published by Ben-Gvir showed activists handcuffed inside an Israeli military vessel and detention facilities, while the Israeli minister waved the Israeli flag and chanted “Long live Israel” in front of one restrained activist.
The footage also showed Israeli security personnel assaulting a female activist who shouted “Freedom for Palestine,” before violently pushing her to the ground and pulling her hair.
Ben-Gvir was heard telling her to “shut up,” amid provocative smiles and comments.
Rights Groups Denounce Israel’s Seizure of Flotilla
The seizure of the flotilla vessels and detention of the activists has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which described the incident as “shameful and inhuman.”
The Global Samoud Flotilla is the third maritime initiative in a year aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip, where catastrophic humanitarian conditions have deepened amid severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel since the start of Israel’s war in October 2023. (PW)