UK summons Israeli envoy over flotilla activist treatment

The United Kingdom has summoned Israel’s top diplomat in London to register strong concern over the treatment of activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The Foreign Office said it called in the Israeli chargé d’affaires following an “inflammatory video posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.”

Condemnation and demand for answers

The Foreign Office stated that the summoning “reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of his conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people.” London also expressed deep concern over the detention conditions shown in the video and demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities. The UK stressed that Israel must protect the rights of all those involved and ensure significantly more humanitarian aid can enter Gaza through land routes.

Wider context

Ben-Gvir posted a minute-long video showing himself taunting pro-Palestinian activists who had been zip-tied and forced to kneel after Israeli forces detained them in international waters. The incident has sparked international outrage, with ten countries summoning Israeli envoys. The flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries to break Israel’s 2007 blockade on Gaza. Britain also confirmed it is in contact with families of British nationals involved and ready to provide consular support.