'Not convicted criminals': EU slams Israel's treatment of flotilla activists

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib on Wednesday sharply criticized Israel's treatment of detained humanitarian activists, describing them as aid workers rather than criminals after footage emerged showing protesters restrained at Ashdod Port.

EU condemns 'degrading' treatment

Posting on the US social media platform X, Lahbib said that "these are not convicted criminals" but rather activists attempting to deliver bread to the hungry. "Peaceful activism and freedom of assembly are fundamental rights," she stated, adding that international humanitarian law must be respected and no one should face punishment for defending humanity.

Ministers share footage of detained activists

The commissioner's remarks followed the release of videos by senior Israeli officials showing the detained activists in degrading conditions. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared footage depicting the protesters being humiliated upon arrival at the port, while Transportation Minister Miri Regev uploaded a separate clip describing the detainees as "terror supporters" who were "drugged with alcohol," according to the posts.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 aired additional footage showing activists kneeling with their hands cuffed behind their backs and their faces pressed to the floor while the Israeli national anthem played in the background. The images sparked international condemnation as organizers confirmed that Israeli forces had intercepted the vessels in international waters on Monday.

Flotilla intercepted en route to Gaza

According to the flotilla organizers, Israeli naval forces stopped 50 vessels carrying 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 nationals from Türkiye. The convoy had departed on Thursday from the district of Marmaris in Türkiye's southwestern Mugla province in an effort to break the Israeli blockade that has confined the Gaza Strip since 2007.