Political leaders from Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other countries condemned the Israeli abuse of Global Sumud Flotilla activists as a violation of human dignity, while calling for the immediate release and safety of the activists. 

Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered a wave of diplomatic condemnation after publishing footage showing Israeli occupation forces abusing international activists who were detained after attempting to sail to Gaza with humanitarian aid.

The video, which circulated widely online, showed detainees restrained and forced to kneel, prompting accusations of mistreatment and violations of international norms.

The incident has intensified tensions surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Turkey last week as part of an activist effort to challenge Israel’s longstanding blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The vessels were intercepted by Israeli occupation forces before reaching the territory, with scores of international participants detained during the operation.

The United Kingdom

Officials expressed concern over the treatment of British nationals involved in the flotilla, calling for urgent clarification from Israeli authorities and stressing the importance of consular access and respect for detainees’ rights, while also urging restraint and accountability in the handling of civilians engaged in humanitarian missions.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that she is “truly appalled at the video,” stating that it “violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.”

She added, “We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support. 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.”

Canada

Canada also issued a similarly strong response, condemning the reported abuse of activists and demanding a full explanation from Israel.

Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, emphasised that “the abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.”

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has directed officials to summon the Israeli ambassador to demand assurances regarding the safety and security of Canadians involved.

Carney added: “Canada has already imposed strict sanctions on Mr. Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban, in response to his repeated incitement of violence. The protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times.”

The Netherlands

The Netherlands also reacted with concern, stating that the images raised serious questions about the proportionality and conduct of Israeli security forces.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said: “The images shared by extremist Minister Ben-Gvir of detained Flotilla activists are shocking and unacceptable. This treatment of detainees violates basic human dignity. I raised this directly with my Israeli colleague.”

Spain

Spain joined the growing chorus of criticism, both countries urging Israel to respect international obligations and to provide immediate consular access to their citizens.

Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, stressed that “the images of the Israeli minister Ben Gvir humiliating members of the international flotilla in support of Gaza are unacceptable.“

In a post on X, he said: “We will not tolerate anyone mistreating our citizens. In September, I announced the ban on access to national territory for this member of the Israeli government. Now we are going to push in Brussels for these sanctions to be elevated to the European scale on an urgent basis.”

France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has also condemned the actions as unacceptable.

“I have requested that the Israeli ambassador to France be summoned to express our indignation and obtain explanations,” he said.

“The safety of our compatriots is a constant priority. Whatever one thinks of this flotilla —and we have indicated on several occasions our disapproval of this initiative — our compatriots who are participating in it must be treated with respect and released as quickly as possible.”

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also called “the images of the Israeli minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable,” stating that: “It is inadmissible that these demonstrators, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates human dignity. The Italian Government is immediately taking, at the highest institutional levels, all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved.”

Meloni added, “Italy further demands an apology for the treatment reserved for these demonstrators and for the total contempt shown toward the explicit requests of the Italian Government. For these reasons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will immediately summon the Israeli ambassador to request formal clarifications on what has occurred.”

Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also condemned in the strongest terms the verbal and physical violence inflicted by an Israeli minister against the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was unlawfully intercepted by Israel in international waters.

In a statement, it added: “The minister concerned, who is one of the key figures in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, has once again clearly demonstrated the violent and barbaric mindset of the Netanyahu government to the international community.”

Turkey also emphasised that “Every necessary initiative is being undertaken, in close coordination with the other relevant countries, to ensure the immediate and safe release of our detained citizens and the other activists.”

Poland

Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, also took to social media to respond to the videos, stating: “You may not treat Polish citizens who have committed no crime in this way. In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody. We demand justice for our citizens and consequences for you.”