Ten countries, including seven European states, have summoned Israeli diplomats to protest a video posted by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that appears to show captured international activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla being mistreated.
Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Poland announced diplomatic measures after the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted earlier in the week. The flotilla, which organizers say carried 428 activists from 44 countries, was boarded in international waters after departing Marmaris, Turkey.
Canadian officials said Ottawa ordered Israel’s ambassador to be summoned to seek assurances about the safety of Canadians involved. Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, condemned the footage and reiterated that Canada had already imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban.
The contested clip, about 60 seconds long, was published by Ben-Gvir and shows activists bound with plastic cable ties, forced to kneel and, according to critics, subjected to mocking and degrading treatment. The footage prompted an immediate diplomatic backlash across Europe and beyond.
Italy called in Israel’s ambassador to deliver a formal protest and to press for the swift return of Italian nationals. Poland summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires and demanded an apology, describing the minister’s conduct as unacceptable. In Madrid, Spanish officials summoned Israel’s representative after Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares denounced the events as ‘monstrous, inhumane and disgraceful.’
France likewise summoned the Israeli envoy and demanded detailed explanations, while Belgium protested the broadcast as ‘deeply disturbing’ and called for the immediate release of those detained. The Dutch foreign ministry described the treatment as ‘shocking and unacceptable’ and brought Israel’s ambassador to The Hague into formal consultations. Portugal also summoned the Israeli charge d’affaires to register its objections and request clarifications.
The diplomatic response extended to the Pacific. New Zealand summoned Israel’s ambassador; Wellington recalled that it had already imposed a travel ban on Ben-Gvir last year, citing his actions as undermining prospects for peace. Australia also called in Israel’s top diplomat, with Canberra stressing its strong disapproval of the footage showing a sitting minister taunting restrained individuals.
Reports indicate that eleven Canadians were among those aboard the convoy when it was intercepted. Organizers say the mission was a renewed civilian attempt to challenge the long-running blockade of Gaza.
Governments pressing Israel demanded explanations for both the interception and the conduct of security personnel shown in the recording. Foreign ministers across the responding countries described the images as evidence of humiliating treatment of aid workers and demanded accountability.
The episode has escalated tensions over the blockade and drawn renewed international scrutiny of Israel’s handling of maritime aid attempts. Governments taking action said they would continue to press for the safety and repatriation of their nationals and for clarifications from Israeli authorities.
(This report is based on syndicated coverage and statements released by the governments involved.)
