Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced a formal request to the Interior Ministry to ban an Israeli minister from entering Poland after two Polish citizens were detained while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Polish Citizens Released from Israeli Custody
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wiewiór confirmed during a briefing in Warsaw that two Polish citizens detained by Israeli forces are scheduled to leave Israel today. He noted that Polish consuls were present at locations where the detainees were held, including the port of Ashdod, and worked continuously to secure their release.
While reports initially suggested three members of the Polish delegation were held, Wiewiór clarified that only two of the detained individuals possess Polish citizenship.
Strong Protest Over Israeli Official’s Conduct
The Polish Foreign Ministry concluded a meeting with the Israeli chargé d’affaires regarding a video posted by Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir. The footage shows Ben Gvir taunting kneeling activists, including Polish citizens, while waving an Israeli flag and shouting, “Welcome to Israel, we are in charge here.”
The ministry expressed its strong indignation regarding the treatment shown in the video. The conduct has drawn widespread condemnation from various nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.
Official Response to Flotilla Raid
Minister Sikorski previously stated on the X platform that Poland condemns the treatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists. He demanded their immediate release and compliance with international standards, emphasizing that the ministry’s prior travel warnings do not excuse the violation of the detainees’ rights and dignity.
According to Rafał Piotrowski, spokesperson for the Polish section of the flotilla, Israeli forces opened fire on at least three vessels, including one flying the Polish flag. Activists reported shouting for the military to cease fire during the interception.
