The UK Foreign Ministry has summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires in London this Thursday to lodge a formal complaint over the "inflammatory" video of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, in which he is seen reprimanding and humiliating activists from the latest flotilla intercepted in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
"The summons reflects the UK's firm condemnation of his conduct in mocking the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla. This behavior violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity towards people," the British diplomacy denounced in a statement.
In the note, the Foreign Office emphasizes that the activists' detention conditions cause concern in the UK and therefore calls for "explanations" from the Israeli authorities. "We make clear what their obligations are to protect the rights of all people involved," it insisted.
The British Foreign Ministry points out that the flotilla's attempt to deliver humanitarian aid highlights the severity of the crisis in Gaza. "Israel must ensure that much more aid can enter safely and on a large scale through land routes," it stated, adding that the authorities are in contact with the families of several British citizens involved and ready to offer consular assistance.
Ben Gvir released a video in which he appears waving an Israeli flag and walking among handcuffed international activists kneeling in the port of Ashdod, where they were transferred by the Israeli Navy. "This is how we welcome those who support terrorism. Welcome to Israel," proclaimed the far-right minister, in a staged event that has drawn criticism even from members of his own government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.