UK summons Israeli envoy over the mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists

London — the UK has summoned the Israeli envoy to express concern and demand an explanation over the alleged mistreatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists bound for Gaza. In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it had summoned the Israeli envoy following a provocative video posted by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. ‘The summons reflects the UK’s strong condemnation of Ben-Gvir’s denigration of those involved in the Global Sumud flotilla. This behaviour breaches the basic standards of respect and human dignity,’ the FCDO said. ‘We are also very concerned about the treatment of those detained and have requested explanations from the Israeli authorities,’ the FCDO added. The UK said the international flotilla seeking to deliver aid to Gaza underscores the severity of the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Therefore, the UK emphasised that Israel must ensure more aid can enter Gaza safely via land routes. ‘We are in contact with the families of several British nationals detained, and stand ready to provide consular support at any time,’ the FCDO said. Ben-Gvir sparked anger at home in Israel and internationally after sharing a one-minute video showing detainees kneeling with their hands bound behind their backs. The activists were seen on the deck of a ship that had been converted into a temporary detention area. Israeli forces attacked the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters on Monday (18 May) and detained all activists aboard. The flotilla, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, departed last week from the Marmaris district in Turkey, in the latest attempt to breach the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip since 2007.