Palestine condemns Israel's mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists as 'policy devoid of dignity'

Palestine on Friday condemned Israel's mistreatment of activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, saying Israeli forces' actions reflect a policy devoid of "law, human morality and human dignity." In a statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it "strongly condemns the abuse and humiliation suffered by activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which headed to the Gaza Strip on an honorable humanitarian mission, at the hands of the occupation forces and its extremist ministers."

Ben-Gvir's actions

The ministry said Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir deliberately filmed and published footage of the activists' treatment while boasting about it, describing the actions as part of a broader Israeli policy rather than "an isolated incident" or "individual political showmanship." It said the incident demonstrated how Israel has "turned collective humiliation into a declared part of its political and security doctrine."

'Maritime piracy'

In a separate statement, the Palestinian presidency said intercepting the flotilla vessels in international waters "constitutes an illegal act, maritime piracy and a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as a blatant assault on freedom of navigation and international humanitarian and solidarity work."

International outrage

The presidency urged the international community to assume its responsibilities, lift the blockade on Gaza, and stop Israeli attacks. On Wednesday, Ben-Gvir published a video mocking detained activists who were zip-tied and forced to kneel, sparking outrage with countries including Italy, Ireland, and Spain calling for EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Flotilla seizure

Israel seized the flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, in international waters on Monday and detained all activists on board.