Eight Muslim nations condemn Ben-Gvir over treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees

The foreign ministers of eight Arab and Muslim countries condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday over his treatment of activists detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla, calling his conduct "appalling, degrading and unacceptable." The joint statement accused Ben-Gvir of violating international law and deliberately humiliating detainees while in Israeli custody.

Which countries condemned Ben-Gvir over the Gaza flotilla incident?

The condemnation came from the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Their joint statement described Ben-Gvir's actions as a "disgraceful assault on human dignity." It was issued through the spokesperson's office of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.

What did Ben-Gvir do to the Gaza flotilla activists?

Ben-Gvir posted a video on Wednesday captioned "Welcome to Israel," showing him heckling detained activists while waving an Israeli flag. In the footage, detainees are seen kneeling with their hands bound and foreheads lowered. The video drew widespread criticism from governments including Italy, Spain, Australia and Canada, as well as from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

At least two activists were hospitalized after being shot with rubber bullets, while others reported injuries they feared included broken ribs. Israeli rights group Adalah said lawyers had provided legal counsel to many of the hundreds of detained activists, though some appeared in court without legal representation.

What did the eight-country statement say about Ben-Gvir's conduct?

The joint statement said Ben-Gvir's actions constituted a clear violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The ministers also condemned what they described as illegal and extremist acts of incitement and violence carried out by Ben-Gvir and Israeli forces against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They warned that his conduct was fueling hatred and extremism while undermining efforts toward a two-state solution.

The eight countries called for accountability and urged concrete measures to halt what they described as Ben-Gvir's repeated provocations and violations. They stressed the need to protect human rights, ensure humane treatment of detainees, and uphold international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

How did the international community respond to the flotilla incident?

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir over his treatment of the flotilla participants. The United Kingdom summoned Israel's most senior diplomat in Britain after the video was released. UN expert Francesca Albanese called on Italy to stop opposing suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, saying the activists' treatment was mild compared with conditions faced by Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why was it intercepted?

About 50 vessels operating under the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Turkey last week in the latest attempt to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israel has controlled all entry points into Gaza since 2007. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 triggered the war in Gaza, the territory has faced severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with aid deliveries at times completely halted. A previous flotilla was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists later expelled to Europe.