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Israeli Minister's Treatment of Flotilla Activists Draws International Response
Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli minister's handling of detained activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla prompted diplomatic protests from several countries. The coverage examined the history of such flotillas since 2008 and questioned whether governments will take further action.
May 21, 3:01 PM·1m read1 source
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Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli minister's treatment of activists detained during an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has prompted diplomatic protests from several countries. Flotillas carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza began in 2008, two years after Israel imposed a blockade on the Strip.
Two boats succeeded despite Israeli attempts to stop them. Since then, Israeli forces have forced several flotillas to turn back and detained hundreds of activists, sometimes in international waters.
The latest incident is drawing international attention for the reported abuse of the activists. Various countries have summoned their Israeli envoys in protest. The program asked whether governments will take further action regarding the treatment of activists and Palestinians.
Guests on the program included Ahmed Abo Askar, an engineering student who lobbies for sponsorship of orphans in Gaza, Dan Perry, former chief editor of the Associated Press in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Carne Ross, former British diplomat at the United Nations.
