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Were the Gaza Freedom Flotilla activists arrested by Israeli security forces subjected to inhumane treatment? This certainly appears to be the case in a video released on 21 May, which shows the activists forced into degrading positions, kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. The footage, released by Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, shows Ben-Gvir walking among the detained activists and taunting them.
The video has provoked public outrage around the world, and several European countries—many of the activists are from the EU—have condemned Israel and Ben-Gvir. The latter has even drawn the ire of his own prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The humanitarian flotilla, which consists of around fifty ships that set sail from Turkey intending to break the blockade around the Gaza Strip, was intercepted in Cypriot waters by Israeli forces on 18 May. Since being expelled from Israel, the activists have reported mistreatment during their detention.
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