Poland Seeks Ban on Israeli Minister Over Flotilla Detentions
Poland's foreign ministry said it wants to ban Israel's national security minister from entering the country after the detention of Gaza flotilla activists. Several other countries summoned Israeli diplomats to protest the treatment of their citizens.
jpost.comPoland's foreign ministry called for a ban on Israel's national security minister entering the country after the detention of Gaza flotilla activists that included Polish nationals. The foreign minister summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires and demanded the immediate release of the activists along with an apology, a foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Post by @Jerusalem_Post on X
A video released by the minister's office shows the official taunting zip-tied activists at a holding facility in Ashdod. In the footage, activists kneel with heads on the ground and arms bound behind their backs while the Israeli national anthem plays. The minister is seen waving an Israeli flag and moving among the activists as security personnel stand on shipping containers above them.
Several countries including Italy, France, the Netherlands and Canada summoned Israeli ambassadors to express indignation over the treatment of the activists and to demand the release of their citizens. French officials denounced the actions as unacceptable and called for the release of French citizens as soon as possible.
Canadian officials described the incident as deeply troubling. United Kingdom officials said the video showed disgraceful scenes. Italian officials stated the treatment violated human dignity.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters and detained at least 430 activists from more than 46 countries. Activists have previously reported mistreatment during similar interceptions, including allegations of beatings and threats.
Organizers have also accused naval forces of firing rubber bullets during the latest operation. Nearly 10,000 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, with 3,532 held as administrative detainees without charge or trial, according to the prisoners' rights group Addameer.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- Tuesday
Israeli forces intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters and detained at least 430 activists.
2 sourcesJerusalem Post · Al Jazeera - Wednesday
Minister's office released video showing taunting of detained activists at Ashdod facility.
2 sourcesJerusalem Post · Al Jazeera - Today
Poland's foreign ministry called for ban on minister entering country and summoned Israeli chargé d'affaires.
2 sourcesJerusalem Post · Al Jazeera
Potential Impact
- 01
Diplomatic tensions between Poland and Israel may increase in coming days.
- 02
Additional countries could summon Israeli diplomats in response to the video.
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