Following the release of a controversial video by Israel’s National Security Minister showing detained humanitarian activists, the Palestinian UN Ambassador urged global powers to reflect on the treatment of Palestinians.
Diplomatic Backlash Over Detainee Footage
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, addressed the international reaction following the release of footage by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The video, which depicted detained participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, triggered formal protests from Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and Poland.
Mansour stated that while the outrage regarding the treatment of foreign nationals is justified, it should prompt a broader reflection on the plight of Palestinians. “You are right to be outraged by how Ben-Gvir treated your citizens. Please, think about how he treats ours,” the ambassador said.
Systemic Treatment of Detainees
According to Mansour, the footage offered only a glimpse into the conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners. He reported that over 100 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody over the last two years due to torture, starvation, and medical neglect, further citing reports of humiliation, violence, and sexual abuse.
International and Domestic Friction
The incident led to widespread diplomatic tension. Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK demanded explanations or summoned Israeli diplomats, while Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called for a travel ban against Ben-Gvir. Domestically, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the video, stating that Ben-Gvir does not represent Israel’s true face.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also distanced his office from the minister’s conduct. While affirming Israel’s right to block flotillas from entering Gaza waters, Netanyahu stated that the manner in which Ben-Gvir handled the activists did not align with Israel’s values and norms. Ben-Gvir defended his actions, asserting that those supporting Hamas deserve harsh treatment.
