By Nicholas Cecil and Luke Reevey

 

LONDON, 20 May. - (ANA) - The UK has hit out at an Israeli cabinet minister for “taunting” pro-Palestinian activists detained after travelling on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

 

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has branded “appalling” a video posted by Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in which he “taunts detainees” seized from an aid flotilla.

 

She said the incident “violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated”.

 

Britain has demanded an explanation for his conduct, she added.

 

Foreign Office staff are in contact with the families of a number of British nationals detained.

 

Earlier, a LondonMP raised with the Foreign Office the detention by Israel of Britons taking part in the pro-Gaza aid flotilla.

 

Miatta Fahnbulleh, who represents Peckham, told of her “deep concerns” about the detentions.

 

“Thank you to everyone who has alerted me to this situation,” she posted on X.

 

“My foremost priority is always the safety and well-being of my constituents, and my thoughts are with the friends and family of the individuals aboard the flotilla.”

 

The Global Sumud Flotilla said 10 boats in a 60-vessel flotilla were intercepted in international waters and boarded by Israeli forces shortly after 9am on Monday.

 

The flotilla organisers said they has lost contact with the intercepted boats.

 

People seized on board the boats were understood to have been taken to Israel on Wednesday.

 

Israeli Cabinet minister Ben-Gvir posted a clip of himself, with a large Israeli flag, seemingly taunting the detainees.

 

One female activist, in handcuffs, who shouted at him “Free Palestine” was swiftly pushed to the ground by security staff.

 

Dozens of detainees were pictured being forced to kneel at what is believed to be a building at Ashdod port.

 

They were expected to be processed before being deported.

 

Responding to the video, Ms Cooper said:”I am truly appalled at the video posted by Israeli Cabinet Minister Ben-Gvir taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla.

 

“This violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.

 

“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support.

 

“We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved.”

 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticised Ben-Gvir.

 

She messaged on X: “The images of the Israeli minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable.

 

“It is inadmissible that these demonstrators, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates human dignity.”

 

The Italian government was demanding the immediate release of Italian citizens.

 

Meanwhile, Ireland’s political leaders condemned Israel’s detention of the Irish president’s sister who was taking part in the flotilla mission.

 

Irish premier Micheal Martin said it is “wrong” and “unacceptable” that Irish citizens have been detained.

 

Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among 12 Irish citizens on board the flotilla that were detained by Israel, organisers have said.

 

Earlier this month, the Greens criticised Israeli forces over the alleged abuse of two UK activists after they embarked on the flotilla headed for Gaza.

 

Zak Khan, who was standing for the Greens in the May elections, said he was “beaten”, spat on and shot in the leg with a rubber bullet, while Alice Chapman said a soldier had punched her.

 

The two British nationals said they had been admitted to hospital following their detention, the Guardian reported.

 

They were among more than 170 people on the Global Sumud Flotilla reportedly detained by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in international waters near Crete.

 

The latest Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

 

Since then, Gaza’s health ministry says some 72,300 Palestinians have been killed after Israel responded by launching a military campaign.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/21 May 2026 - - -