Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, released a video showing detained pro-Palestinian activists handcuffed and forced to kneel on a ship after Israel intercepted their flotilla bound for Gaza. In the footage, officers are seen manhandling at least one detainee while the Israeli national anthem plays, and Ben-Gvir is heard mocking the activists.

The activists were among 430 people arrested after the Israeli Navy stopped the protest vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and brought them to a southern Israeli port. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the mission aimed to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, which has tightened since the war that began after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.

The video sparked condemnation from Italy, Spain, and France, whose nationals were among those detained. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment a 'violation of human dignity' and demanded an apology, while the countries said they would summon Israel's ambassadors.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Ben-Gvir, saying the conduct did not reflect Israel's values and norms. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also rebuked the display, calling it a disgrace that damaged the country.