Several European countries condemn Israel's brutal treatment of supporters on a flotilla heading to Gaza

Israel – France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands summoned their ambassadors to Israel in protest over the conduct of Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir toward detainees from the "Global Resilience Flotilla." The video titled "Welcome to Israel" shows dozens of activists kneeling on the deck of a warship, hands tied behind their backs, foreheads pressed to the ground, accompanied by the melody of the Israeli national anthem.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel criticized Minister Ben-Gvir’s "vile conduct."

The video also shows National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir berating the detained activists while waving the Israeli flag among them. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the minister’s behavior as "unacceptable" during a radio interview. Spain condemned Israel’s actions as "horrific, disgraceful, and inhumane," demanding a public apology from Israel and announcing an emergency summoning of Israel’s chargé d'affaires in Madrid.

– "Inhumane" –

According to a recording released by the office of Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Alvarado to the media, Alvarado said in a speech in Berlin: "This conduct is horrific, disgraceful, and utterly inhumane."

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost also announced that he had summoned the Israeli ambassador following the exposure of these "deeply disturbing" images, calling the situation "unacceptable." Dutch Prime Minister Rutger Janse also stated on Wednesday evening that the treatment endured by the Gaza flotilla activists was "inhuman." Janse added that he had contacted Israeli President Isaac Herzog, while the foreign minister summoned Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, in a statement, declared that Ben-Gvir’s actions were "unacceptable and absolutely condemnable," and announced the submission of a "formal protest."

Minister Gerapetritis added: "We demand full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, and call on Israeli authorities to immediately take all necessary measures to release Greek citizens without delay." Greek activists participating in the flotilla reported that 19 Greeks were detained during the operation. Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Stefan Sebert, stated on X (formerly Twitter): "The way Israeli authorities treated Greek citizens is completely unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental values shared by our two nations." Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed in a statement that she was "shocked and outraged," calling for the "immediate release" of detained Irish citizens, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

The video was posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on X. Prior to this, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla on Monday. Ships from the "Global Resilience Flotilla" began being detained at the southern port of Ashdod, where hundreds of foreign activists were held.

Last week, around 50 vessels from the "Global Resilience Flotilla" departed from Turkey—a latest attempt by supporters to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Previously, Israeli forces intercepted a similar flotilla last month. Hamas controls less than half of the Gaza Strip, and its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered the war across Palestinian territories. Hamas claims these photos demonstrate the "moral decay and sadistic tendencies" of Israel’s leadership.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1865760969819148/

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