Poland summons Israeli envoy over detention of activists
· RTE.iePoland's foreign minister has said he had summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires over the detention of Gaza aid flotilla activists, including Polish nationals.
"Poland firmly condemns the conduct of representatives of the Israeli authorities towards activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by the Israeli army, including Polish citizens," Radoslaw Sikorski said on X.
More than 400 people, including around 15 Irish citizens, were forcibly detained by Israel after the flotilla, which was attempting to reach Gaza, was intercepted in international waters earlier this week.
They were being detained at the southern Israeli port of Ashdod.
Captioned "Welcome to Israel", footage posted on X yesterday by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shows dozens of activists kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground with the Israeli national anthem playing in the background.
The footage also shows Mr Ben-Gvir heckling and waving an Israeli flag amongst the detained activists.
Mr Martin wrote to European Council President Antonio Costa asking that he put the issue on the agenda of the upcoming EU summit.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has demanded the "immediate release" of the Irish citizens, among them Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly.
The UK has also summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires over the video posted by Mr Ben-Gvir.
"This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people," Britain's foreign ministry said in a statement.
"We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed as "unacceptable" Israel's treatment of the activists and called for the immediate release of any detained Italian citizens and demanded an apology from Israel.
"It is intolerable that these protesters, among whom there are many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment, which violates human dignity," Mr Meloni said in a statement.
Mr Ben-Gvir also drew the ire of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who said the minister's dealing with the activists was "not in line with Israel's values and norms".
"I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs (activists) as soon as possible," Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.
Mr Costa has said he was "appalled" by the treatment of the aid flotilla members.
"Appalled by the treatment of flotilla members by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir. This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release," Mr Costa said on X.
Belgium and the Netherlands are also expected to summon their respective Israeli ambassadors over the video posted on X by Mr Ben-Gvir, their foreign ministers have has said.
Meanwhile, 44 Spanish activists detained in Israel are expected to be deported to Spain via Turkey in a flight leaving at 3pm Israeli time (1pm Irish time), Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said.
Turkey is planning special flights from Israel to fly out its citizens and some activists from third countries, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
He said that all Turkish institutions were working to ensure the security and safe return of Turkish nationals. Broadcaster NTV separately said Turkish Airlines has sent three planes to Israel for the repatriations
Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.
During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.
A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists deported to Europe.