London summons Israeli diplomat in protest of Ben Gvir's abuse of Freedom Flotilla activists

The British government, today, Thursday, summoned the Israeli Chargé d'Affaires in London, following a wave of international outrage sparked by a video posted by the extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. In the recording, Ben Gvir was seen directing sarcastic and demeaning remarks at a group of 'Global Freedom Flotilla' activists who were arrested after their boats, headed to break the siege on the Gaza Strip, were intercepted. The activists appeared in harsh conditions, bound and kneeling on the ground.

The British Foreign Office confirmed in an official statement that this provocative behavior raises deep concern for the United Kingdom, emphasizing its strong condemnation of actions aimed at undermining the dignity of those participating in the humanitarian flotilla. Sources clarified that London demanded urgent and transparent explanations from the occupation authorities regarding the circumstances of these activists' detention, considering what appeared in the video to be a blatant violation of international standards related to respect and human dignity.

During its meeting with the Israeli diplomat, the British Foreign Office stressed the necessity for the occupation authorities to commit to protecting the rights of all detainees under their custody and respecting applicable international laws in this regard. This British move comes in the context of increasing international pressure, as London joined a long list of capitals that have summoned occupation ambassadors, including Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and Canberra, in protest of the abuse of solidarity activists holding nationalities from more than 40 countries.

Reports indicate that the occupation army had intercepted dozens of the flotilla's boats in international waters over the past two days, resulting in the detention of approximately 430 international activists. These solidarity activists were forcibly transferred to Ashdod port, and then deported to 'Ketziot' prison in the Negev desert, amidst demands from Ben Gvir to treat them with the same harshness with which Palestinian prisoners are treated in occupation prisons.

In the same context, European parties, including European Council President Antonio Costa, described the leaked scenes as 'shocking and unacceptable,' while some countries have already begun procedures for repatriating their citizens through intermediary countries such as Turkey. Human rights warnings are escalating regarding the continued detention of these activists in inhumane conditions, especially after footage showed the deliberate humiliation of them by the occupation police under the direct supervision of ministers in the extremist right-wing government.

The provocative video posted by Minister Ben Gvir raises serious concerns and violates the most basic standards of human dignity.