"Crossing the Line"... Israeli Far-Right Minister Mocks Gaza Activists, Sparks International Backlash

Israel Detains 400 Relief Flotilla Activists
Far-Right Minister Mocks Kneeling Detainees
European Countries Protest... Lee Condemns Activist Detentions

A far-right politician from Israel's ruling coalition has sparked controversy by releasing a video mocking activists from a Gaza-bound relief flotilla who were detained in the eastern Mediterranean.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, posted a video mocking detained international activists. X

According to Yonhap News Agency, on May 20 (local time), Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, personally posted on his social media account a video mocking the detained international activists. The footage shows dozens of activists, their hands bound, kneeling on the floor of a detention facility at Ashdod Port, as if they were caught in the act of a crime.

The video begins with one activist shouting, "Freedom for Palestine." Security personnel are then seen pressing down on the activist's head with their palms and forcibly dragging them away. Subsequently, Minister Ben-Gvir appears in front of the handcuffed, kneeling activists, waving a large Israeli flag and shouting in Hebrew, "Welcome to Israel, we are the true owners of this land." The video also includes a scene where another activist is forcibly restrained, with Ben-Gvir commenting, "This is exactly how it should be."

The detained activists had boarded the relief flotilla that departed from Türkiye last week, attempting to break Israel's naval blockade. After Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the previous day that the blockade-running attempt had ended, the Israeli military forcibly transported them to Ashdod Port, where approximately 400 people are currently being held.

The Israeli Navy intercepted a Gaza-bound fleet vessel and was sailing it to Ashdod Port on the 19th (local time) after seizing it in the Mediterranean Sea. Photo by AP Yonhap News

There has been a wave of criticism from the international community. In particular, it has been reported that among the detained activists are 12 Irish nationals, including Dr. Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. During her visit to the UK the previous day, President Connolly stated, "This is very upsetting. I am proud of Margaret, but I am also very worried." Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin emphasized, "The detention of activists is unacceptable and wrong," and Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee condemned the situation as "horrific," calling for their immediate release.

European countries have also protested by summoning Israeli ambassadors. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper posted on her social media, "I am utterly appalled," adding that she had demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrault said, "I have expressed my anger and demanded that the Israeli ambassador be summoned for an explanation." Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Alvarez denounced the actions as "horrific, shameful, and inhumane." Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Canada, and Türkiye have also joined the chorus of criticism.

As the controversy grew, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unusually criticized Minister Ben-Gvir. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "Minister Ben-Gvir's treatment of the relief flotilla activists is completely inconsistent with Israel's values and norms." He added, "To prevent further diplomatic fallout, I have ordered the relevant ministries to take immediate action," instructing them to "forcibly deport the activists from Israeli territory as soon as possible."

President Lee Jae-myung. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, in South Korea, there has also been criticism over the Israeli military's seizure of a Gaza-bound relief vessel carrying Korean activists. Currently, two Korean activists (Kim Donghyun and Kim Ahyeon) remain detained, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested their prompt release and deportation from the Israeli side.

On May 20, President Jaemyung Lee stated during a cabinet meeting, "Detaining our citizens for reasons that are not justified under international law is excessive and inhumane. There are minimum international norms, but they are all being violated. Follow the rules; we have been patient enough." He also referred to the execution of the arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying, "We will also make our own judgment," suggesting potential diplomatic repercussions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.