Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted video of himself taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, as some of the group are pushed and dragged along the ground by Israeli forces.
The video, posted with the caption “welcome to Israel”, also shows the activists forced to kneel on the ground with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, while the Israeli national anthem is played over loudspeakers.
Hundreds of activists trying to break Israel’s almost two decade long maritime blockade of Gaza started being intercepted by Israeli forces on Monday in the Mediterranean sea, off the coast of Cyprus.
Among those detained are 11 Australians, and they were taken to Israel on board navy ships, docking in Ashdod port on Wednesday.
Australia’s Foreign Minister said the video was “shocking and unacceptable”.
“We condemn the actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir — who Australia has sanctioned — and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained,” she said in a statement to the ABC.
Australians detained after Israel intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla
“I have asked Australia’s Ambassador to Israel to make representations to Israel, reiterating our call for the release of the detained Australians and for Israel to ensure no ill treatment of any detainees and to act in line with international obligations.”
The video prompted a rare rebuke from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who made Mr Ben-Gvir the minister responsible for police and prisons as part of his coalition deal.
“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza,” Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.
“However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.
“I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”
The video also prompted condemnation from Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who accused his cabinet colleague of having “caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display — and not for the first time”.
“You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people — from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others,” he posted on X.
“No, you are not the face of Israel.”
‘Treatment that violates human dignity’
European governments also lined up to criticise the display.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni labelled the spectacle as “unacceptable,” saying the group were being subjected to “treatment that violates human dignity”.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni posted to social media platform X to condem the video. (X: @GiorgiaMeloni)
“The Italian Government is immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved,” she posted on X.
“Italy further demands an apology for the treatment reserved to these demonstrators and for the total contempt shown toward the explicit requests of the Italian Government.”
Ms Meloni also said Israel’s Ambassador in Rome would be summoned to answer questions about the situation.
France also called in Israel’s envoy in Paris.
“Whatever one thinks of this flotilla — and we have indicated on several occasions our disapproval of this initiative — our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated with respect and released as quickly as possible,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on social media.
Pattern of behaviour, lawyers say
It is not the first time Mr Ben-Gvir has behaved in such a fashion, visiting previous groups of activists who were intercepted at sea to criticise their conduct.
The Adalah Center, acting as lawyers for the group, said the video was evidence of a pattern of behaviour.
“Following the illegal interception of the flotillas in international waters and the illegal kidnapping of over 400 activists from around the world, Israel is pursuing a policy of abuse and humiliation against activists who oppose its ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people,” it said in a statement.
Australians Sam Woripa Watson (left) and Anny Mokotow (middle) are in the group of detainees. (Supplied: Global Sumud Flotilla)
“These events come after Adalah has documented numerous past cases of violent treatment of activists in previous flotillas, for which Israel has not borne any responsibility.
“Adalah’s lawyers, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, entered the port facilities in recent hours, are providing them with legal advice, and will continue to demand their immediate and unconditional release.”
The lawyers demanded the international community step in and pressure the Israeli government to protect the activists.
Israel insists blockade lawful
The Israeli government has labelled the Global Sumud Flotilla crews as attention-seeking provocateurs, and accused them of doing the bidding of Hamas and carrying little to no aid on their voyage.
They are accusations the activists have repeatedly denied, who argued their mission is designed to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the cruel policies of the Israeli government against the Palestinian population.
Israel has insisted its maritime blockade of Gaza is lawful to protect its national security.
But the flotilla crews have labelled Israel’s enforcement of the policy, intercepting ships in international waters, is akin to piracy.
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In recent days the ABC has asked Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office for comment, multiple times, on whether Australia believes Israel’s blockade and its actions during the interceptions was appropriate.
A specific response has not been provided.
“The Australian Government is engaging with Israeli authorities on the welfare of detained Australians involved in the flotilla and making preparations to visit them at the earliest opportunity,” a spokesperson for Senator Wong said on Tuesday.
“We want to see all detained Australians released as soon as possible.
Israel says no live ammunition used by troops filmed firing at Gaza flotilla boats
“Australian officials continue to make clear to Israel our expectation that any detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms.”
The spokesperson said Senator Wong arranged for the Australians joining the flotilla to receive a briefing from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before they left.
“DFAT strongly encouraged them not to participate, given the risks to their safety and that of others,” they said.
“We continue to encourage those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through established channels.”
In October last year flotilla crews intercepted off the coast of Egypt were taken to Ashdod Port, before being transferred to Israel’s Ketziot prison.
Australians in that group, some of whom are among this latest flotilla, accused Israeli authorities of serious mistreatment.
The Israeli government denied the allegations.
