Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned Israel's treatment of activists detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla, calling it 'unacceptable' after a video showed them bound and kneeling. Meloni demanded the immediate release of any Italian citizens and an apology from Israel.
The video, posted by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, shows activists on a military boat with their hands tied behind their backs, foreheads on the ground, captioned 'Welcome to Israel.'
France also criticized the treatment, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot requesting Israel's ambassador be summoned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rebuked Ben Gvir, saying his actions 'are not in line with Israel's values and norms.' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar added that Ben Gvir had 'undone tremendous efforts' by military and diplomatic personnel.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Turkey last week in an attempt to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israeli authorities say 430 activists were intercepted and are en route to Israel, with some already detained at Ashdod port.
Israel has maintained a blockade of Gaza since 2007, which has been tightened during the ongoing war triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack.