Tel aviv: Israel has initiated the deportation of hundreds of activists from an aid flotilla intercepted on its way to Gaza, as reported by the Adalah human rights organization on Thursday. The move comes as international criticism intensifies regarding the treatment of the detained participants in Israel.
According to Ghana News Agency, Adalah announced that all participants in the international Gaza Sumud Flotilla have been released from Israeli prisons and are currently being deported, primarily from Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Ynet, an Israeli news portal, noted that four activists have already been flown out via Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, citing Adalah.
Adalah has accused the Israeli authorities of torturing, humiliating, and unlawfully detaining the peaceful activists. This accusation has been fueled by a video that surfaced showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking and taunting the handcuffed detainees. Released on Wednesday, the video has sparked widespread criticism from European governments. Italy, Poland, and Britain have summoned Israeli diplomats to express their protest, while Greece and the Netherlands have also filed grievances with the Israeli government.
In an official letter to the European Commission, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the activists' treatment as a violation of basic human rights and urged EU foreign ministers to consider punitive measures in their next meeting. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also condemned the actions and demanded the immediate release of Polish citizens, insisting on their treatment according to international standards.
A European Commission spokesman labeled the treatment of the activists in the video as 'completely unacceptable,' urging the Israeli government to ensure the activists' protection and dignified treatment. Even the US ambassador, Mike Huckabee, known for his support of Israel, criticized Ben-Gvir's conduct as 'despicable.' Although he dismissed the Global Sumud Flotilla as a 'stupid stunt,' Huckabee stated that the far-right minister had 'betrayed the dignity of his nation.'
Criticism has also emerged from within Israel, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar distanced themselves from Ben-Gvir's actions. In addition, a ynet report indicated discontent within the army towards Ben-Gvir.
The aid flotilla, consisting of 50 boats, was halted by Israel in international waters off Cyprus at the beginning of the week. Approximately 430 activists were attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.