Europe Denounces Israel Over Flotilla Detentions

(MENAFN) Multiple European governments summoned Israeli diplomats Wednesday and issued sweeping condemnations after footage emerged showing Gaza-bound flotilla activists zip-tied and forced to kneel following interception by Israeli naval forces in international waters.

The outcry was triggered by video posted on the US social media platform X by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a coalition partner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, depicting detained passengers from the Global Sumud Flotilla in degrading conditions.

France moved swiftly, summoning Israel's ambassador and expressing official "indignation." Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot took direct aim at Ben-Gvir on X, writing: "The actions of Mr. Ben-Gvir toward the passengers of the Global Sumud flotilla, condemned even by his own colleagues in the Israeli government, are unacceptable."

While Paris had previously opposed the flotilla mission, Barrot made clear that French nationals "must be treated with respect and released as soon as possible."

Spain summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires after Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares delivered a blistering rebuke. "I repeat, this treatment is monstrous, it is disgraceful, it is inhumane," said Albares, demanding "a public apology from Israel."

Italy announced it would similarly summon Israel's ambassador. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a joint statement declaring: "The images of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity." Rome said it was pursuing steps "at the highest institutional levels" to secure the release of its nationals and demanded both formal clarification and an apology.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "truly appalled" by the footage, which she said violated "the most basic standards of respect and dignity." "We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved," Cooper wrote on X.

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called the scenes "deeply disturbing," writing: "The images circulating of the treatment of the Flotilla activists are deeply disturbing. People held captive, bound, forced face down, and a government minister broadcasting their humiliation on social media."

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described the footage as "shocking and unacceptable," saying the conduct "violates basic human dignity." Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin branded it "shocking behaviour" amounting to "a breach of international law," while Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon called the treatment "appalling, shocking & utterly unacceptable."

Greece demanded the immediate release of its nationals and condemned Ben-Gvir's conduct as "unacceptable and absolutely condemnable," with its Foreign Ministry stating: "We demand full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and call on the Israeli authorities to proceed with the rapid completion of all procedures and the immediate release of the Greek citizens." Poland and Portugal also voiced concern, pressing Israel for answers and reaffirming the primacy of international law.

The flotilla organization confirmed Tuesday that all 50 vessels in the aid convoy had been seized by Israeli forces. The convoy, carrying 428 passengers from 44 nations, had departed from Marmaris in a bid to pierce Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, in place since 2007.

European Lawmakers Push for Sanctions
Political pressure intensified beyond diplomatic channels, with European legislators calling for punitive measures.

Kostas Arvanitis, vice president of The Left group in the European Parliament, denounced what he termed Israeli "piracy" and demanded the immediate release of all detainees, including 19 Greek nationals. German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert said Ben-Gvir's treatment of detainees was "wholly unacceptable and incompatible with the basic values of our countries."

Italian opposition leader and former premier Giuseppe Conte described the detention of lawmaker Dario Carotenuto as an "illegal arrest" carried out in international waters and urged sanctions against the Israeli government.

Italian Senator Matteo Renzi branded Ben-Gvir a "political criminal" and pressed Rome to act "concretely, not with useless press releases."

Irish lawmaker Paul Murphy shared footage showing citizen Caitriona Graham in detention, accusing Israel of abducting activists and subjecting them to "humiliation, stress positions, aggression and violence."

French MEP Manon Aubry called for immediate sanctions, while Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure said Israel "must explain itself, dismiss Ben Gvir and apologize to the world." Fellow French lawmaker Gabrielle Cathala said Ben-Gvir "must be arrested," as MP Thomas Portes accused Israel of deploying "terrorist methods."

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