Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked a diplomatic crisis after posting a video on Wednesday featuring approximately 430 activists detained from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The international activists, who attempted to sail to Gaza with aid and bypass Israel's blockade, arrived in the port city of Ashdod aboard Israeli naval ships.
The footage shows Israeli security forces forcing detainees to kneel in rows on the deck of a ship with their hands tied behind their backs. Ben-Gvir is seen walking past the handcuffed activists, accompanying the post with the message, "Welcome to Israel."
The treatment of the pro-Palestinian activists drew immediate outrage from several foreign governments. France called the footage unacceptable, while Spain condemned the treatment as monstrous. Similar furious responses were delivered by the UK, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland, in many cases from the top of their respective governments.
The incident also drew condemnation from within Israel's own government. Israeli politicians denounced the video, and Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar specifically condemned Ben-Gvir following the release of the footage.