Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has called for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement following the release of footage showing detained humanitarian aid activists kneeling in captivity.
Mounting Diplomatic Backlash
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the treatment of activists as “completely unacceptable.” The government has expressed its readiness to pursue a partial suspension of trade ties with Israel in response to the viral video released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel has condemned the actions as “inhumane” and demanded explanations from the Israeli ambassador in Lisbon. He also called for the immediate release of two Portuguese doctors currently held after their vessel was intercepted on Monday.
Poland Demands Formal Apology
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed on Thursday, May 21, that he has ordered the immediate summoning of Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Warsaw. Poland seeks a formal apology for what the government termed “extremely inappropriate behavior” by a member of the Israeli cabinet, following the detention of Polish citizens participating in the mission.
The Global Flotilla Controversy
The Global Flotilla, which departed from Turkey last week, aimed to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and establish a humanitarian corridor. Organizers stated the mission was strictly for aid purposes.
Israeli authorities maintain that the initiative is supported by the terrorist group Hamas. According to organizers, Israeli forces intercepted all 50 vessels in the convoy, detaining 428 individuals.
