Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

Officials across the European Union expressed their condemnation of how Israel treated the detained Global Sumud Flotilla activists, who started their journey to Gaza last week.

European politicians released their statements after Israeli Minister of National SecurityItamar Ben Gvir posted a video on social media showing the detained Sumud activists. In the video the activists are tightly grouped with their hands tied and experiencing harsh handling by Israeli security forces. Meanwhile, the anthem of Israel is heard and Ben Gvir is shown waving his country flag and making insulting comments and taunts in regards to activists. According to Israeli authorities, 430 members of Global Sumud Flotilla hailing from 40 countrieswere detained, though some organizations such as the Adalah rights group claim that this number is higher.

Such treatment of people caused a reaction across Europe, especially in those countries from which some Flotilla members come. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded an official apology and immediate release of Italian citizens, adding that previous official requests from Italy were ignored. At the same time the Foreign Minister of France Jean-Noël Barrot stressed that no matter your opinion about the Global Sumud Flotilla, its members should be treated with respect that they deserve, calling for the release of French citizens. Barrot’s Spanish colleague Jose Manuel Albares called this treatment “monstrous, disgraceful and inhumane", adding that Israeli charge d'affaires in Madrid has been summoned. Officials from other countries, such as Ireland and Portugal, have also released similar statements.

Officials in Israel itself have also criticized Ben Gvir’s behaviour. The country’s current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his treatment of the activists is not in line with Israel’s values, at the same time calling for deportation of Flotilla members. Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Minister, posted a more emotional reaction, blaming Ben Gvir for ruining the efforts done by Israel for its image in the world, and that this is not the first such incident done by Minister of National Security.

Gaza, which currently suffers severe shortages of food, medicine and other critical supplies, has been under blockade by Israel starting in 2007.