Several governments have issued formal protests against Israel following the interception of the “Sumud Flotilla” and the detention of hundreds of international activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza during the ongoing genocidal war. Diplomatic tensions intensified on Wednesday after footage circulated online showing participants being restrained and mocked while in Israeli custody.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris had summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand explanations over the treatment of activists, particularly after controversial remarks and videos shared by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. French officials stated that detained citizens must be treated with dignity and released as soon as possible.

In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the handling of flotilla activists as unacceptable and confirmed that Rome would also summon the Israeli ambassador. Italian authorities reportedly demanded an official apology over what they called the disregard shown towards repeated diplomatic requests concerning detained activists.

Spain, Canada and Netherlands each announced similar diplomatic démarches, condemning the treatment of flotilla participants and expressing concern over the images published online. Spanish officials described the actions against activists as brutal, while Canada’s foreign minister said the footage shared by Ben-Gvir was “deeply disturbing”. British officials also voiced shock at what they described as public ridicule directed at the detained campaigners.

Meanwhile, Turkey condemned both verbal and physical abuse carried out against activists after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters. Organisers of the “Sumud Flotilla” said all 50 vessels that departed from Turkey in an effort to challenge the blockade on Gaza had been seized. According to organisers, 428 participants from more than 40 countries were detained, while Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on at least two boats during the operation.

The growing international criticism comes amid mounting pressure over Israel’s conduct during the genocidal war in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate sharply under blockade and ongoing military operations.