Portugal Denounces Israeli Minister Over Gaza Flotilla Activist Treatment

(MENAFN) The government of Portugal has strongly condemned what it described as the “intolerable behavior” of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the reported treatment of activists detained from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, according to reports.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said in a statement posted on X that the handling of the activists represented a “humiliating violation of human dignity.”

“Portugal strongly condemns the intolerable behavior of the Israeli Minister Ben Gvir and the treatment inflicted on the flotilla activists in a humiliating violation of human dignity,” he said.

According to reports, Portugal said it has maintained continuous contact with Israeli authorities to secure the release of its nationals, stressing that guarantees for their safety have become increasingly urgent.

Officials added that during a meeting with the Israeli chargé d’affaires at the Foreign Ministry, Portugal would formally demand the release of detained citizens, issue an official protest, and seek clarification over what it described as serious violations of rights.

The incident comes after the Global Sumud humanitarian convoy reported that all 50 vessels in its Gaza-bound flotilla were intercepted. According to reports, the flotilla was carrying 428 activists from 44 countries after departing from Marmaris in Türkiye in an attempt to challenge the blockade on Gaza that has been in place since 2007.

MENAFN21052026000045017640ID1111148024