France, Italy summon Israeli ambassadors over abuse of flotilla activists
France and Italy have summoned their respective Israeli envoys over a video showing the abuse of activists from the Gaza-bound flotilla detained by Israeli authorities.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the footage, which shows activists with hands bound forced to kneel while being subjected to abuse and humiliation by Isreli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is "unacceptable".
"It is inadmissible that these demonstrators, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates human dignity," Meloni wrote on social media.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in a post on X that he would express "outrage and obtain explanations" from the Israeli ambassador to France.
He added that the security of French citizens is a priority and that the detained activists "must be treated with respect and released as soon as possible", while noting France's "disapproval" of the flotilla's tactics.