Ashdod: Several European countries have strongly condemned Israel's actions against activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, following the interception of the vessel in international waters and the subsequent detention of its participants, describing their treatment as horrific, shocking, and appalling.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the condemnations intensified after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing dozens of activists kneeling with their hands tied inside the port of Ashdod. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berndsen announced that the Dutch government would summon the Israeli ambassador in Amsterdam to address what he termed as the unacceptable treatment of the detained flotilla activists. Berndsen expressed on social media platform X that the images shared by Ben-Gvir were shocking and violated basic human dignity.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also condemned Israel's treatment of the activists, labeling it as appalling and unacceptable. He announced the summoning of the Israeli ambassador in protest and noted that Canada had already imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir, which include asset freezes and travel bans due to his repeated incitement to violence.
Slovenia and Ireland joined the chorus of condemnation, with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon declaring that the treatment of the activists was horrific and unacceptable. She emphasized that no state should subject civilians to torture and humiliation. Meanwhile, Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed shock over the images showing activists being detained and humiliated, noting that Irish citizens were among those detained. She called for their immediate release and urged for full consular assistance to be provided to the detained Irish citizens and their families.
The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessel occurred on Tuesday as it was en route to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid. Israeli forces escorted the vessel's participants to an Israeli port following the interception.