WANA (May 21) – Several European countries have summoned Israeli diplomats and demanded official explanations following the release of controversial images showing the treatment of activists aboard the “Global Sumoud Flotilla” by Israeli forces.

 

According to reports, Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in protest over the treatment of the flotilla activists. France and the Netherlands also condemned the images of the detainees and called in Israeli ambassadors to request formal explanations.

 

At the same time, German officials described the treatment of the activists as contrary to fundamental values and humanitarian principles. Portugal also condemned the actions taken and announced efforts to secure the release of its detained citizens.

 

Meanwhile, Turkey condemned the verbal and physical behavior of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toward the flotilla activists. Ankara said the treatment of the activists following the seizure of the flotilla in international waters was unacceptable.

 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also described the images showing the humiliation of members of the international flotilla supporting Gaza as “unacceptable,” stressing that Madrid would not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens.

 

Sánchez further noted that Ben-Gvir had previously been banned from entering Spain and said Madrid would now push for similar sanctions to be implemented across the European Union.