RAMALLAH, May 20, 2026 (WAFA) – Several European countries on Wednesday condemned Israel’s assault on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, following the interception of the vessel in international waters and the detention of its participants, describing their treatment as horrific, shocking and appalling.
The condemnations came after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing dozens of activists kneeling with their hands tied inside the port of Ashdod.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berndsen said his country would summon the Israeli ambassador in Amsterdam to discuss what he described as the unacceptable treatment of the detained flotilla activists.
In a post on the X, he added that the images published by Ben-Gvir were shocking and unacceptable, stressing that the treatment violates basic human dignity.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also described Israel’s treatment of the activists as appalling and unacceptable, announcing the summoning of the Israeli ambassador in protest.
He said the appalling treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including those documented in the video published by Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable, noting that Canada had already imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and travel bans, over his repeated incitement to violence.
Slovenia and Ireland also condemned the mistreatment of the activists, stressing that Ben-Gvir’s conduct and that of Israeli forces do not align with any democratic standards or international law.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said the treatment of the activists was horrific, shocking and unacceptable, adding that no state should receive civilians with torture and humiliation as Israel does.
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee expressed shock at images showing activists being detained and humiliated at the port of Ashdod, noting that among those detained were Irish citizens.
She stressed that the activists were illegally detained in international waters, calling for their immediate release, ensuring their safety, and providing full consular assistance to Irish citizens and their families.
Israeli forces had intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla vessel on Tuesday as it was heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid, before escorting its participants to an Israeli port.
T.R.
