International leaders have strongly condemned a video posted by Israel far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from a Gaza bound aid flotilla kneeling with their hands bound, describing the footage as degrading and unacceptable.
Read More: Abuse of Gaza flotilla detainees goes viral, sparks global outcry
The video, shared on social media platform X, was published after Israeli forces intercepted vessels from the flotilla at sea and detained hundreds of activists at the southern port of Ashdod. The activists were reportedly part of a humanitarian mission attempting to reach Gaza.
ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרור
Welcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026
The footage quickly triggered global backlash, including criticism from within Israel’s own leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reportedly distanced themselves from Ben-Gvir’s actions, while international governments and organisations demanded clarification and accountability.
European Council President Antonio Costa said he was “appalled” by the treatment of flotilla members and called for their immediate release. He described the behaviour shown in the video as completely unacceptable.
Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) May 21, 2026
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also condemned the incident, calling the treatment of detainees “degrading and wrong”, particularly as several of them are EU citizens.
British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said she was “truly appalled” and confirmed that consular support was being provided to British nationals involved. She said London had demanded explanations from Israeli authorities.
I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.
We are in touch with the families of a number…
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) May 20, 2026
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the treatment as degrading and condemned the actions of both Ben-Gvir and Israeli authorities.
The images we have seen posted by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – are shocking and unacceptable. We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) May 20, 2026
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also criticised the video, calling it “despicable” and saying it damaged Israel’s international image despite concerns about the flotilla mission itself.
Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official from @IsraeliPM @IsraelMFA @gidonsaar @IsraelPresident @yechielleiter @IsraelinUSA for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation. https://t.co/trK6VjeTIX
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 20, 2026
Other officials, including representatives from the European Commission and New Zealand, also raised concerns and called for adherence to international law and humane treatment of detainees.
Every detained person must be treated with safety, dignity and according to international law.
We call on the Israeli government to ensure the protection and dignified treatment of these activists, including several EU citizens.
We call for the speedy release of all detainees.
— Anouar El Anouni 🇪🇺 (@AnouarEUspox) May 20, 2026
New Zealand condemns the behaviour of Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Last year, New Zealand placed a travel ban on Minister Ben-Gvir for severely and deliberately undermining peace and security and removing prospects for a two state solution.
His latest conduct with…
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) May 20, 2026
Full statement: https://t.co/F4yOucMhNR pic.twitter.com/n7sMCt83Pv
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) May 20, 2026
It is good to hear many Israeli voices – including the foreign minister – call out in all clarity Minister Ben Gvir‘s treatment of the detainees for what it is: wholly unacceptable and incompatible with the basic values of our countries.
— Steffen Seibert (@GerAmbTLV) May 20, 2026
Read More: Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla at sea
The incident has intensified diplomatic pressure on Israel amid ongoing tensions over humanitarian access to Gaza.