KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Israel faced mounting international criticism after its national security minister released a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling with their hands bound following the interception of aid vessels in international waters.
Below are some national and international reactions to the footage posted on X (formerly Twitter) by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday:
European Union (EU)
European Council President António Costa said he was "appalled" by Ben-Gvir's treatment of aid flotilla members attempting to enter Gaza.
"This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release," he said.
United Kingdom (UK)
London summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires over the video, with its Foreign Ministry saying the content "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people." Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "truly appalled" by the video.
Italy
Rome said that Israel's treatment of flotilla activists was unacceptable and that it would summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded an apology for the activists' treatment and what they called Israel's "total disrespect" for Italy's requests.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the images were unacceptable and said Spain "will not tolerate anyone mistreating our citizens." He added that his government would push for Spain's ban on Ben-Gvir entering the country to be urgently extended across the EU.
France
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he had summoned the Israeli ambassador after the video emerged, calling Ben-Gvir's actions "unacceptable." He added that French citizens must be treated with respect and freed as soon as possible, while noting that he opposed the flotilla's approach.
Israel
The backlash also prompted criticism within Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but said Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists was "not in line with Israel's values and norms".
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the activists, saying he had harmed Israel in a "disgraceful display" and undermined the work of Israeli soldiers and diplomats.
"No, you are not the face of Israel," he said in a post on X.
Poland
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said he had summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires over the detention of the activists, demanding their immediate release and an apology. A spokesman said that he also requested that the Interior Ministry ban Ben-Gvir from entering Poland.
Ireland
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said 14 Irish citizens who joined the flotilla are on buses en route to Istanbul, Turkiye, from where they will be deported.
"We have raised in no uncertain terms the horror and dissatisfaction at the way in which our citizens have been treated," she told the Dáil Éireann (Parliament).
Canada
Ottawa said it would summon the Israeli ambassador in protest at the video, described by Foreign Minister Anita Anand as "deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable." Prime Minister Mark Carney later described Israel's treatment of the detained activists as "abominable" and "unacceptable."
Netherlands
The Hague will summon Israel's ambassador over what it called the "unacceptable" treatment of the activists. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the images were "shocking", adding he had raised the matter with Saar.
The United States (US)
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticised Ben-Gvir over the treatment of the detained activists, saying that while the flotilla was a "stupid stunt," the minister had "betrayed the dignity" of Israel with his handling of the detainees.
