In a powerful display of diplomatic unity, foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic nations have issued a joint statement condemning the treatment of activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The nations—Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—described the actions of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as "appalling, degrading, and unacceptable."
The controversy stems from an incident at Israel's Ashdod Port, where hundreds of aid activists were brought after their convoy was intercepted by Israeli naval vessels in international waters, approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The situation escalated when Minister Ben-Gvir released a video showing some of the detained activists shackled and forced down to the sound of the Israeli national anthem.
The joint statement characterized this public humiliation as a "disgraceful assault on human dignity" and a clear violation of international law. The diplomats expressed deep concern over what they termed "illegal, extremist" incitement and violence by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory. They warned that such actions fuel hatred and extremism, creating significant barriers to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
Demanding immediate accountability, the eight nations called for concrete measures to end repeated provocations and violations of human rights. The international pressure following the incident led Israel to announce on Thursday that all activists from the flotilla had been deported.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza and the increasing diplomatic friction between Israel and a coalition of Arab and Islamic states committed to upholding international legal standards and human dignity in the region.
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Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israel over Gaza flotilla activists
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