Israel’s treatment of detained Gaza flotilla members is ‘abominable,’ Carney says

The video shared by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shows detained activists on a Gaza flotilla being taunted and humiliated in a makeshift detention area at Ashdod port. The images are abhorrent, and the treatment of these civilians is reprehensible.

This incident is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of abuse by Israeli authorities against activists on flotillas attempting to break the blockade of Gaza. This behavior has been documented repeatedly, with little consequence for those responsible. The international community must take notice of these actions and hold Israel accountable.

Canada’s decision to summon its ambassador over this incident is welcome, but it should be just the beginning. Other countries, including France, Italy, and the Netherlands, have taken similar action, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need for accountability in this matter. The question now is whether these actions will translate into meaningful change.

The Israeli government’s response to this incident has been telling. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has every right to stop “provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters,” but added that Ben-Gvir’s treatment of the activists was not in line with Israel’s values and norms. This statement is a masterful exercise in doublespeak, suggesting that while Netanyahu acknowledges the treatment of the activists was unacceptable, he still condones the blockade and the actions taken by his government.

The incident has highlighted the disconnect between the Israeli government’s words and actions. Ben-Gvir’s taunts may have been shocking, but they are not an aberration from Israel’s behavior towards Palestinians in Gaza. The continued blockade, the targeting of civilians during protests, and the treatment of prisoners all contribute to a broader narrative of abuse and disregard for human rights.

Some Israeli politicians, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, have publicly chastised Ben-Gvir for his actions. While it is heartening to see Israeli officials speaking out against this behavior, their words are often empty, and their actions rarely follow suit.

The international community must not be swayed by the empty promises of politicians like Netanyahu or Sa’ar. Instead, they should focus on holding Israel accountable for its actions. This means supporting organizations like Adalah, which is providing legal advice to activists at Ashdod and demanding their immediate release. It also means imposing meaningful consequences on those responsible for this abuse.

The blockade has been in place for over a decade, causing immense suffering and economic hardship for the people of Gaza. The treatment of prisoners is also a significant issue, with many facing prolonged detention without charge or trial. As the international community continues to grapple with this incident, it’s essential to consider the broader context of Israel’s behavior towards Palestinians in Gaza.

The treatment of detained flotilla activists by Israeli authorities is not just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of abuse and disregard for human rights. The international community must take urgent measures to protect these civilians against this brutal conduct by Israeli officials. It’s time for accountability, and it’s time for change.