US senator slams Israeli minister’s treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
US Senator Ron Wyden condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists, calling the conduct “unacceptable” and “completely out of step with Jewish values.” Wyden vowed to continue fighting for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
US Senator Ron Wyden on Thursday sharply criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.
‘Unacceptable conduct’
“This conduct is unacceptable,” Wyden said on X. He was referring to a video posted by Ben-Gvir showing himself taunting pro-Palestinian activists who were zip-tied and forced to kneel after being detained. Wyden said Ben-Gvir’s actions were “completely out of step with Jewish values.” He added: “I will keep fighting for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. I introduced a bill that will sanction any government leader who blocks aid for Palestinians.”
Flotilla activists safely evacuated
The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from Marmaris, Türkiye, in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. All 50 vessels in the convoy were seized by Israel. The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced late Thursday that Ankara had safely evacuated 422 humanitarian aid volunteers from 41 countries, including 85 Turkish citizens, who had been part of the flotilla. Türkiye continues to coordinate international efforts to ensure the safe return of all detained activists and has strongly condemned Israel’s intervention.
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