Türkiye, 7 other nations condemn Israeli minister’s flotilla conduct

A joint statement issued on Sunday by the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the actions of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against participants of a Gaza-bound flotilla who were held in Israeli detention.

‘Disgraceful assault on human dignity’

The ministers described Ben-Gvir’s public humiliation of detainees as a “disgraceful assault on human dignity” and a “clear violation” of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. They also strongly condemned what they termed illegal acts of incitement and violence by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory. The statement warned that such provocative actions “fuel hatred and extremism” and undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Calls for accountability

The ministers called for accountability over Ben-Gvir’s actions and urged concrete measures to end repeated provocations and violations. They stressed the need to protect human rights, ensure the dignity and humane treatment of all detainees, and uphold international law in the occupied Palestinian territory. Türkiye has been at the forefront of international efforts to break the Gaza blockade and has consistently condemned Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian civilians and humanitarian activists.