Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Far-Right Minister Ben-Gvir Taunts Detained Activists
Italy and France have denounced as "unacceptable" the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which Israeli naval forces intercepted near Cyprus. Both countries summoned Israel's ambassadors following a video posted by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, depicting him taunting detained activists at Ashdod port.
Ben-Gvir's actions prompted rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated they were "not in line with Israel's values." A rights group representing the 430 participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), from over 40 countries, has demanded their immediate release.
The flotilla, carrying a symbolic amount of aid, aimed to highlight the severe conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, a territory ravaged by conflict and subject to an Israeli maritime blockade. Israel dismissed the initiative as a "PR stunt at the service of Hamas."
On Monday, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters approximately 460km from the Gaza coast. GSF organisers accused Israel of "illegal, high-seas aggression," alleging commandos opened fire at six boats, used water cannon, and intentionally rammed one vessel. The Israeli foreign ministry denied the use of live ammunition, asserting it would "not permit any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza."
On Wednesday, Ben-Gvir, whose portfolio includes overseeing Israel's police force, posted a video captioned "Welcome to Israel," showing him at a detention facility. The footage depicts him encouraging security personnel as a female activist shouts "Free, Free, Palestine," and later waving a large Israeli flag next to dozens of activists kneeling with bound hands, telling them in Hebrew, "Welcome to Israel. We are the masters."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the video "intolerable" and demanded an apology for the treatment of activists, including Italian citizens. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, insisting nationals be treated with respect and released promptly.
Adalah, an Israeli rights group, stated the footage demonstrated Israel was "employing a criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists." Gideon Saar, Israel's foreign minister, joined the condemnation, accusing Ben-Gvir of knowingly harming the state. Ben-Gvir retorted that "Israel has stopped being a pushover."
Prime Minister Netanyahu, while defending Israel's right to prevent what he termed "provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters," reiterated that Ben-Gvir's conduct was not aligned with Israel's values and ordered the "provocateurs" deported swiftly.
The GSF maintained the activists carried food, baby formula, and medical aid for Gaza, where UN bodies have documented dire living conditions, limited basic services, and persistent challenges to humanitarian operations, including restrictions on essential imports. This assessment contrasts sharply with the Israeli foreign ministry's claim that Gaza is "flooded with aid."