New Zealand summons Israeli ambassador over Ben Gvir’s treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

New Zealand says it will summon the Israeli ambassador later today over National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s treatment of detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, after footage showed protesters bound and on their knees.

In a statement on X, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters recalls that the country imposed a travel ban on Ben Gvir last year for “severely and deliberately undermining peace and security and removing prospects for a two state solution.”

“His latest conduct with respect to the Gaza flotilla, which has been seriously criticised by his own Prime Minister, is further vindication of that position,” adds Peters.

“We expect Israel to adhere to its international legal obligations, including in its treatment of New Zealanders participating in the flotilla.”