EU Official Condemns Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists

(MENAFN) An EU commissioner has criticized the handling of activists detained during a Gaza-bound flotilla operation, following the release of videos showing detainees being restrained after arriving at an Israeli port. The remarks added to growing international scrutiny over the incident.

In a statement posted on the US social media platform X, she stressed that those detained were not criminals, but individuals engaged in humanitarian efforts. She said, “These are not convicted criminals. These are activists trying to get bread to the hungry. Peaceful activism & freedom of assembly are fundamental rights," and further emphasized, "Civilians must be protected. International humanitarian law must be respected. No one should be punished for defending humanity,”

The criticism followed the circulation of footage appearing to show detained activists at Ashdod Port, including videos shared by Israeli officials and media outlets. Some clips reportedly showed detainees restrained, while others included inflammatory remarks directed at participants of the flotilla.

According to reports, one video showed detainees described in derogatory terms by an Israeli official, while another broadcast depicted restrained activists on the ground with national symbols playing in the background.

Organizers of the humanitarian mission stated that Israeli forces intercepted dozens of vessels carrying hundreds of participants from multiple countries while they were in international waters. The convoy had departed from a Turkish port days earlier, with organizers saying the mission aimed to challenge the long-standing blockade on Gaza, in place since 2007.

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