European pressure on Israel escalated against the backdrop of the “Global Resilience Fleet” issue, after Britain announced the summoning of the Israeli Chargé d’Affairs in London in protest against the video published by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, in which he appeared mocking the activists who were detained by the Israeli authorities after intercepting the fleet heading to Gaza.
The British Foreign Office said that the summons came within the framework of the United Kingdom’s “strong condemnation” of Ben Gvir’s behavior, considering that what was stated in the video “violates the most basic standards of respect and human dignity.”
London also expressed its deep concern about the detention conditions of activists that appeared in the circulating recordings, calling on the Israeli authorities to provide clear clarifications, and reminding them of the need to respect the rights of all detainees.
In parallel, the British Foreign Office stressed that the attempt of the “Resilience Flotilla” to deliver aid to Gaza reflects the scale of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe inside the Strip, calling on Israel to allow the entry of aid safely and through land crossings in sufficient quantities.
Britain confirmed that it is directly monitoring the conditions of its nationals participating in the fleet, and is prepared to provide them with consular support when needed.
The British position comes one day after Italy and France summoned their Israeli ambassador in protest against the scenes of abuse and humiliation suffered by activists of the “Global Resilience Fleet,” which reflects the widening circle of European criticism of Israel against the backdrop of the treatment of the ship and the activists who were on board.
Ben Gvir had posted the video on his account on the “X” platform, accompanied by the phrase: “Welcome to Israel,” which sparked a wave of widespread international anger and criticism, even within Israel itself, where the Israeli Foreign Minister accused him of deliberately harming Israel’s image.
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