Indonesia and seven nations condemn Itamar Ben-Gvir's actions
Indonesia and seven other nations have strongly condemned the “terrible, degrading and unacceptable” actions of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against participants of a Gaza-bound convoy detained by Israeli forces.
“Indonesia and seven other countries strongly condemn the terrible, degrading and unacceptable actions of extremist Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir towards Gaza convoy participants while they were detained,” said the Indonesian Foreign Ministry.
The condemnation was issued by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The ministers stressed that Ben-Gvir’s deliberate public humiliation of detainees constitutes a shameful attack on human dignity.
“The actions are a clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” said the Foreign Ministry.
They also expressed regret and condemned the incitement and illegal extremist violence by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials against Palestinians in occupied territories.
The foreign ministers of the eight nations warned that Ben-Gvir’s provocative actions fuel hatred and extremism while hindering efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Additionally, they demanded accountability for Ben-Gvir’s actions, urging concrete steps to end his provocations, incitement, and repeated violations, prevent further threats, and ensure such conduct is not tolerated or repeated.
“We emphasise the importance of protecting human rights, maintaining dignity and humane treatment for all detainees, and ensuring full respect for international law in the occupied Palestinian territories,” they said.
According to Al Jazeera reports, Ben-Gvir is an ultranationalist Israeli politician and lawyer currently serving as Israel’s security authority head. He leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party and is known for his hardline policies.
The reports also state that Ben-Gvir’s profile is highly controversial, with a history of convictions for racist incitement and support for terrorist organisations such as the extremist Kach group. He is known for frequently escalating tensions, including regular visits to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
Due to his extreme views and actions against Palestinians, Ben-Gvir has faced travel and financial sanctions from countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, with France and Poland also imposing entry bans.