Flotilla activists humiliated on their knees with bandages and handcuffs by Israeli minister Ben Gvir: the video makes you shudder

Flotilla

A video released by the Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has sparked one of the harshest diplomatic controversies of recent months. The images show the activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla just stopped by the Israeli navy and taken to the port of Ashdod, where they appear with handcuffs, blindfolds and forced to their knees.

In the video, relaunched by the minister himself on social media, Ben Gvir walks among the detained people addressing them provocative phrases such as “Welcome to Israel“, while some activists appear immobilized on the ground. At another moment an activist is seen shouting “Free Palestine” while being blocked by agents. The images quickly went around the world, generating immediate reactions.

The activists were part of an international mission headed to Gaza with humanitarian aid. The interception of boats in international waters has already raised international law disputes, but it is the treatment shown in the video that has triggered the real political crisis.

Italy condemns and Israel is divided, Netanyahu distances himself

The case has also caused a rift within the Israeli government itself. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel had the right to stop the flotilla, but stressed that the treatment shown by Ben Gvir “it does not represent the values ​​of the State of Israel“, ordering the rapid expulsion of the activists. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also openly criticized his colleague, accusing him of having damaged the country’s international image. An internal political clash that further amplified the scope of the case.

On the European front, the Italian reaction was immediate and harsh. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defined the images as “unacceptable“, asking for official clarifications and the summoning of the Israeli ambassador to Rome. Italy also requested the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved, present among the arrested activists.

The accusations of the Flotilla and the increasingly harsh Israeli response

The Global Sumud Flotilla has publicly denounced the treatment suffered by activists, speaking of people “displayed like trophies” and subject to defined management “humiliating and disproportionateThe organization claims that the Israeli intervention represents a violation of fundamental rights and asks for guarantees on the conditions of detention.

The Israeli version is of a completely different tone, according to which the flotilla would be linked to “provocative” initiatives and close to environments considered hostile. Ben Gvir, in particular, defended his line by declaring that those who enter waters controlled by Israel “in support of terrorism” will not receive lenient treatment.

View this post on Instagram

Human rights are at stake

The Flotilla case now risks turning into a new diplomatic crisis between Israel and several Western countries. The images show rude treatment, in stark contrast to the fundamental principles of international law and the dignity of the person. At the center of the controversy is no longer just the detention of the Flotilla, but the way in which the activists were publicly humiliated. A gesture impossible to ignore.

You might also be interested in:

Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers

With over 15 years of experience in journalism and a deep-seated passion for environmental sustainability, I lead the editorial team at Green Technology Investments. My background in environmental science fuels my commitment to crafting insightful and impactful content. When I'm not penning articles, you can find me exploring national parks or tending to my organic garden.