Italy will demand a formal apology from Israel for the mistreatment of "Global Sumud Flotilla" activists illegally detained in international waters and will summon the Israeli ambassador to provide an official explanation regarding the incident.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that these statements were made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, issued a stern response following the release of footage shared by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Prime Minister Meloni stated that the images shared by the Israeli minister are unacceptable:
"It is intolerable that these activists, including a significant number of Italian citizens, were subjected to treatment that degrades human dignity."
Meloni noted that all necessary steps have been taken through official channels to ensure the immediate release of the Italian citizens involved. She further emphasized that Italy demands an apology from Israel both for the treatment of the activists and for the lack of respect shown toward the Italian government's explicit requests. The Prime Minister added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will immediately summon the Israeli ambassador to demand a full explanation of the events.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also condemned the video shared by Ben-Gvir as completely unacceptable and contrary to human dignity. Tajani noted that, in coordination with Prime Minister Meloni, the Israeli ambassador in Rome would be summoned to the ministry. The controversy arose after Ben-Gvir visited Ashdod Port, where the activists were being held, and shared footage showing harsh treatment by Israeli security forces. In the video, a female activist is seen shouting "Free Palestine" as Ben-Gvir passes, after which Israeli police intervene forcefully, throwing her to the ground. The far-right minister is heard remarking, "This is exactly how one should behave."
The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of a broader international movement aimed at challenging maritime restrictions and delivering humanitarian aid. Such incidents often lead to significant diplomatic friction between Israel and European nations, as international law strictly governs the treatment of civilians in international waters. This latest confrontation underscores the growing tension regarding the conduct of security operations and the protection of foreign nationals in the region.
