Italy summons Israeli ambassador after ‘unacceptable’ video of Ben Gvir taunting flotilla activists

Italy’s government says that Israel’s treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists is “unacceptable” and that it will summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.

The statement comes shortly after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir released a video in which he can be seen taunting the detained activists as they kneel on the floor, hands tied.

A strongly worded statement by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says Italy “demands an apology for the treatment” of the activists and the “total disrespect” for the Italian government’s requests.

“The images of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity,” the statement reads.