Several European countries summoned Israeli diplomats and condemned the treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists Wednesday after videos surfaced showing far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting handcuffed detainees illegally detained in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel's unlawful blockade.
Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the scenes as "monstrous, disgraceful and inhumane," while France and Italy demanded explanations from Israeli authorities over the treatment of their citizens aboard the flotilla.
Spanish Member of the European Parliament Irene Montero accused the European Union (EU) of failing to protect European citizens aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israel, directing sharp criticism at the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during a plenary session on the Middle East.
Addressing Kallas in the parliament chamber on Tuesday, the Podemos lawmaker condemned Israel's actions in the Mediterranean and accused EU leaders of remaining silent.
"Israel has been in the middle of the Mediterranean for 24 hours, and that is saying something, hijacking ships and kidnapping European citizens," Montero said.
"You find that amusing, don't you? It doesn't amuse me at all," she said, asking: "Are you ever going to lift a finger to protect them?"
Montero questioned how the EU would react if another country had carried out similar actions.
"What would you do if it were Iran, if it were Russia standing in the middle of the Mediterranean to kidnap European citizens?" she asked.
"But since it's Israel, you just smile and look the other way. Shame on you."
Later on Wednesday, Montero shared footage of her speech in a post on X, accusing the EU of helping "genocidaires."
"Israel assaults and hijacks ships loaded with aid for Gaza right in the middle of the Mediterranean, and this lady finds it amusing and doesn't lift a finger to defend the kidnapped people," she wrote.
"They help the genocidaires without even hiding it."
The backlash followed the circulation of videos filmed after Israeli forces intercepted dozens of boats from the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters off Cyprus earlier this week.
One video showed detainees kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs as Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and declared: "Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords." Another activist shouting "Free Palestine" was pushed to the ground by security personnel as the minister walked past.
In another clip, Ben-Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to imprison the activists "for a long, long time" in what he called "terrorist prisons."
The remarks triggered criticism even within Israel's coalition government. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar publicly rebuked Ben-Gvir, saying the videos caused damage to Israel's image through a "disgraceful display."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris summoned the Israeli ambassador, calling Ben-Gvir's behavior toward Global Sumud flotilla activists "unacceptable."
Italy also condemned the treatment as a violation of human dignity and demanded clarification from Israel over the handling of detainees.
Germany's ambassador to Israel on Wednesday labelled as "wholly unacceptable" far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir's treatment of detained activists on an intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla.
"It is good to hear many Israeli voices – including the foreign minister – call out in all clarity Minister Ben Gvir's treatment of the detainees for what it is: wholly unacceptable and incompatible with the basic values of our countries," Steffen Seibert wrote on X.
The British foreign secretary said Wednesday that she is "truly appalled" by the video of Israel's treatment of detained Gaza Flotilla activists, and demanded an explanation from Tel Aviv.
"I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla," Yvette Cooper wrote on X.
She underlined that it violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.
"We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved," added Cooper.
Rights group Adalah accused Israeli authorities of implementing a "criminal policy of abuse and humiliation" against activists and called for their immediate release.
The flotilla, carrying activists from more than 40 countries, sought to challenge Israel's illegal blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing severe shortages after months of Israel's genocidal war and restrictions.
