Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned as “unacceptable” the treatment of activists from the Gaza flotilla who were detained by Israeli authorities, following the release of a video by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir showing the activists bound and forced to kneel. Meloni demanded the immediate release of any Italian citizens among the detainees and called for an official apology from Israel.
“It is intolerable that these protesters, among whom there are many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment, which violates human dignity,” Meloni said in a statement, referencing the footage posted by Ben Gvir. “Italy also demands an apology for the treatment inflicted on these demonstrators and for the total disregard shown towards the explicit requests of the Italian government.”
The video, shared on Ben Gvir's X account with the caption “Welcome to Israel,” shows dozens of activists kneeling on the deck of a military vessel with their hands tied behind their backs and foreheads pressed to the ground. The Israeli national anthem plays in the background, and Ben Gvir is later seen waving an Israeli flag among the detainees in Israel.
France Joins the Condemnation
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also strongly criticised the incident, stating he had requested that Israel’s ambassador to France be summoned. “The safety of our compatriots is a constant priority,” Barrot wrote on X. “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.”
The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Turkey last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory. This follows a previous convoy intercepted by Israeli forces last month. The Israeli authorities reported that 430 activists were en route to Israel, while the Adalah rights group said some had already arrived at Ashdod port and were being held there.
Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007. During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely. The broader Middle East crisis continues to drive energy costs, affecting economies across Europe.
The posting of the video drew a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The way minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel's values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs (activists) as soon as possible,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Ben Gvir was also criticised by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. “You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel,” Sa’ar said in a post on X.
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Israel and key European allies. Italy and France, both influential members of the European Union, have taken a firm stance, reflecting broader concerns about human rights and the treatment of civilians in conflict zones. The European Commission has yet to issue a formal statement, but the reactions from Rome and Paris signal a potential shift in the bloc's approach to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the safe return of the detained activists and the broader implications for EU-Israel relations. The flotilla's mission highlights the persistent humanitarian challenges in Gaza, where the blockade has created a dire need for essential supplies. European capitals are watching closely, with many calling for a de-escalation of tensions and a renewed commitment to international law.
