A WAVE of diplomatic outrage has swept across Europe after footage released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir allegedly showed detained Gaza aid flotilla activists bound and forced to kneel, prompting several governments to summon Israeli envoys and demand immediate explanations.
The controversy erupted after Ben Gvir published video footage appearing to show detained activists restrained during their transfer following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
European leaders and foreign ministries swiftly condemned the scenes, describing the treatment as degrading, inhumane and inconsistent with international standards of human dignity.
In Belgium, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed that Israel’s ambassador would be summoned to provide clarification over the incident.
Prevot said Belgian nationals were among those detained and stressed that all activists must be released immediately and treated with dignity.
France also summoned the Israeli ambassador after the footage triggered widespread anger in Paris.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the images had caused outrage and demanded an official explanation from Israel regarding the treatment of those aboard the flotilla.
Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, described the handling of the activists as “completely unacceptable” and contrary to humanitarian values.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry meanwhile called for the immediate release of 19 Greek citizens believed to have been aboard the flotilla and condemned the conduct of Israeli authorities.
Ireland joined the criticism, with Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressing shock over the footage and demanding the immediate release of activists allegedly being held unlawfully.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also urged Israel to free the detained Italian activists without delay while calling for an official apology.
She said the treatment of the demonstrators constituted a violation of human dignity.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described the incident as shameful and inhumane, adding that Israel’s representative in Madrid had been summoned for discussions.
In the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rob Jetten confirmed that the Israeli ambassador had been called in, while Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen labelled the incident shocking and unacceptable.
The backlash was not limited to Europe, with criticism also emerging from within Israel itself.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said the handling of the activists was inconsistent with Israeli values and norms and instructed authorities to deport the detainees as quickly as possible.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticised Ben Gvir, accusing him of damaging Israel’s international image.
The Global Sumud Flotilla had departed from Türkiye as part of an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza after another aid convoy was intercepted by Israeli forces last month.
Israeli authorities stated that approximately 430 activists were aboard the flotilla vessels, while human rights group Adalah said some detainees had already arrived at Ashdod port, where they remain in custody. – May 21, 2026
See video here (from AlJazaeera):https://www.facebook.com/reel/1310071691188858
