International

Israeli minister condemned for taunting handcuffed Gaza activists

By: SigmaLive English

Date:

The interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli naval forces has triggered widespread international condemnation, with several countries expressing concern over the treatment of detained pro-Palestinian activists.

The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions following reports and video footage showing activists being detained after the flotilla was stopped in international waters west of Cyprus.

Video sparks diplomatic criticism

Criticism escalated after Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage showing detained activists kneeling with their hands tied.

The video prompted condemnation from multiple governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, and several European countries, many of which summoned Israeli ambassadors for explanations.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the footage as “despicable”, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the scenes “totally disgraceful”.

Israeli leadership response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the conduct shown in the video, stating that it was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”.

He added that authorities had been instructed to deport the detained activists as quickly as possible.

However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended his actions, saying Israel “has stopped being a pushover”.

Flotilla interception details

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising more than 50 boats carrying activists from over 40 countries, set sail from Turkey with the stated aim of delivering symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlighting conditions in the territory.

Organisers said Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters about 250 nautical miles west of Gaza, with one vessel reportedly getting within 80 nautical miles of the coast.

They accused Israel of an “illegal high-seas operation”, alleging use of water cannon, ramming tactics, and boarding operations involving armed commandos.

Israel rejected these claims, stating that no live ammunition was used and that the flotilla was attempting to breach a lawful naval blockade.

Activists detained in Ashdod

Rights group Adalah said more than 430 participants from over 40 countries were detained and taken to Ashdod port.

The group said legal teams would challenge the legality of the detentions and demand the activists’ release, alleging violations of international law.

Humanitarian context and ongoing war

The flotilla organisers said they were transporting food, baby formula, and medical supplies to Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain severe.

Israel countered that Gaza continues to receive large volumes of aid, while the United Nations has reported ongoing shortages of basic services, infrastructure damage, and widespread displacement.

The incident comes amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, according to official figures.

Also read: Gaza aid boat Vivy Sabre remains in Paphos harbour
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

How the Paphos crash that injured six unfolded drunk driver arrested

Police are investigating the circumstances of a road accident...

Head-on collision between two vehicles in Nisou: Two people hospitalised

A head-on collision between two vehicles occurred on Saturday...

President announces three measures on security and migration: What is changing in Cyprus

President Nikos Christodoulides has highlighted three major developments in...

ON THIS DAY: The Phantom of the Opera premieres (1986)

On 9 October 1986, the Phantom of the Opera premiere took place at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End, marking the beginning of one of the most successful productions in musical theatre history. Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and starring Michael Crawford as the mysterious Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine Daaé, the musical would go on to captivate audiences around the world with its haunting melodies, elaborate staging and dramatic love story. From Gothic novel to West End sensation Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and develops an obsessive love for a young soprano. Andrew Lloyd Webber transformed the Gothic tale into a lavish stage production, combining romance, mystery and tragedy with a powerful orchestral score. The musical introduced songs that would become theatre classics, including "The Music of the Night", "All I Ask of You", "Think of Me" and the dramatic title number. Directed by Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, the original London production featured elaborate costumes, atmospheric sets and a spectacular falling chandelier that became one of the show's most recognisable moments. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman's defining roles Michael Crawford's performance as the Phantom became one of the defining roles of his career, earning him widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled character. Sarah Brightman, who was married to Lloyd Webber at the time, originated the role of Christine Daaé, bringing her distinctive soprano voice to the production. Their performances helped establish the musical's international reputation and set the standard for generations of actors who would later take on the roles. A record-breaking theatrical phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera premiere began an extraordinary run in London's West End. The original London production reached 13,629 performances before being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. The musical returned to the West End in 2021 and has continued its run. Its success also crossed the Atlantic, with the Broadway production opening in New York in January 1988. The show went on to become Broadway's longest-running musical, closing in April 2023 after 13,981 performances. Over the decades, The Phantom of the Opera has been performed internationally, translated into numerous languages and seen by millions of theatregoers. Forty years of The Phantom of the Opera On 9...