Israeli minister Ben-Gvir condemned for taunting handcuffed Gaza flotilla activists
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir published a video showing him standing in front of handcuffed Gaza-bound flotilla activists and taunting them. The footage drew condemnation even from coalition partners; the Israeli Medical Association sent a complaint letter against the minister.
The activists were among 47 internationals on nine vessels stopped by the Israeli navy in international waters off Cyprus last week and currently held at a facility near Ashdod. In the published footage, Ben-Gvir is seen laughing in front of the activists, who appear handcuffed, and asking 'What were you doing here?'.
Deputy Prime Minister Yair Lapid wrote on social media: 'This is not behaviour befitting a government minister, and accountability is required.' The Israeli Medical Association said the medical needs of injured activists shown in the video were not addressed in line with protocol and sent a complaint letter to the attorney-general's office.
The Gaza-bound flotilla carried activists including Turkish, Swedish and Irish nationals. Turkey's Foreign Ministry condemned the operation last week and demanded the release of the activists. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the current detention is 'questionable under international law of the sea'.
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