Italy Slams Israel's 'Uncivilized' Treatment After Video Shows Bound Gaza Aid Activists

(CNA, Rome, 20th, by reporter Huang Ya-shih) Multinational members of a Gaza aid flotilla, including 29 Italians, were detained by Israel. A video released today by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, showing activists being dragged by their hair and forced to kneel while bound, has sparked fury in Italian public opinion. The Italian President and Prime Minister have jointly condemned the act as 'uncivilized and unacceptable,' while the Foreign Minister summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister, posted a video on the social media platform X today, showing activists from the 'Global Sumud Flotilla' who were detained by the Israeli military being subjected to considerably rough and humiliating treatment, sparking intense controversy. The video shows one woman being immediately grabbed by the hair and then dragged to the ground in a kneeling position simply for shouting a slogan in support of Palestinians. Hundreds of activists were forced to kneel with their hands on their heads, packed tightly together in a small space, resembling prisoners awaiting execution. According to ANSA news agency, these activists will be transferred tonight to a prison in the Negev Desert. The video's release triggered a strong backlash from the Italian government. Italian President Sergio Mattarella stated, 'What the Israeli minister has done is to inflict a shockingly uncivilized treatment on people illegally detained in international waters.' Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement saying, 'The images published by Israeli minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are treated in such a way that tramples on their personal dignity.' Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Italian government is taking all necessary measures to demand that the highest levels of Israeli authorities ensure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved. Tajani also summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy this evening to express the Italian government's strong position. 'For us, a red line has been crossed,' Tajani told the media. 'This violates everyone's rights because these activists are not terrorists, they have not committed any crime, they were illegally taken by the Israeli army, they were not carrying weapons, and they had no violent intentions. We are immensely outraged by the actions in the video.' (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150521