BRUSSELS, May 22, 2026 (WAFA) – Twenty-nine members of the European Parliament have called for far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to be added to the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime over footage published showing the mistreatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Italian lawmaker Danilo Della Valle said in a statement posted on X that he and 28 other European lawmakers had sent a letter to the President of the European Council António Costa.

According to Della Valle, the letter stated that Global Sumud Flotilla activists were publicly humiliated while shackled in handcuffs and chains, and subjected to physical and psychological violence as well as violations of human dignity.

He added that several European countries had summoned Israeli ambassadors to demand explanations regarding the alleged mistreatment of the activists. “The time has come to move from words to action,” Della Valle said.

He noted that the sanctions framework had previously been used against “violent Israeli colonists” and argued that it should now be expanded to include other individuals accused of human rights violations.

Della Valle further stated: “The fascists running the State of Israel must face justice for the crimes they have committed.”

M.N