Australia Calls Israel Ambassador, Condemns Minister Ben-Gvir's Action to Force Pro-Palestinian Activists to Kneel

JAKARTA - Australia memanggil Duta Besar Israel setelah para aktivis Global Sumud Flotilla, termasuk warga Australia, ditahan oleh otoritas Israel dan mendapat perlakuan yang "merendahkan."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Thursday (21/5) delivered a condemnation after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir uploaded a video showing him mocking pro-Palestinian activists who were tied up and forced to kneel during detention.

"The picture uploaded by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir - who has been sanctioned by Australia - is very shocking and unacceptable," Wong said on the X platform, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, May 21.

"We condemn his actions and the degrading treatment by the Israeli authorities against those detained," he said.

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman was summoned to the Australian Foreign Ministry in Canberra. A total of 11 Australians were among the activists detained by Israel.

Australia also urged Israel to release all detained Australians and ensure all detainees are treated in accordance with international obligations.

Ben-Gvir sparked outrage in Israel and internationally after sharing a one-minute video showing the prisoners kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs on the deck of a ship used as a temporary detention area.

Waving an Israeli flag, Ben-Gvir said, "Welcome to Israel. We are the owners of this land."

In another footage, a handcuffed activist shouted "Free Palestine" before being pushed by security officers as Ben-Gvir passed by.

The video sparked widespread condemnation and was also criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly reprimanded Ben-Gvir.

Global Sumud on Tuesday said all 50 ships in its convoy had been intercepted by Israel. The fleet, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, set off from the Marmaris District, Turkiye, last week to break Israel's blockade of Gaza since 2007.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka also condemned the detention and alleged mistreatment of the international activists.