Western governments have voiced outrage after Israel's far-right security minister posted a video of himself taunting Gaza-bound flotilla activists being pinned to the ground, with two later alleging they were physically assaulted in detention.
Their treatment by police officers, under the direction of Itamar Ben-Gvir, also drew a rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and from the United States, the country's staunchest ally.
The activists, whose vessel was intercepted yesterday in international waters by Israeli naval forces as they were trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, were deported from Israel today, its foreign ministry said.
Across Europe, governments summoned Israeli ambassadors to condemn the video.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the footage as "appalling" and "unacceptable".
European Council President Antonio Costa said that he was "appalled" by the treatment of the Global Sumund Flotilla members.
"This behaviour is completely unacceptable. We call for their immediate release," Mr Costa wrote on social media.
Italy demanded an apology, Spain said that it would not tolerate maltreatment of its citizens, and France demanded the release of the detainees.
The UK foreign ministry said the video "violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people", while Poland's foreign minister called for Mr Ben-Gvir to be banned from entering the country.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said the minister had "betrayed (the) dignity of his nation".
The outpouring of anger follows the posting of campaign-style videos by Mr Ben-Gvir and at least one other member of Mr Netanyahu's government, transport minister Miri Regev, showing them visiting Ashdod port and lambasting the protesters.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the activists' arrest at sea appeared to be unlawful, adding that any maltreatment should be investigated and those found responsible held to account.
"It is not a crime to show solidarity and bring humanitarian assistance to the people who are in dire need of it in Gaza," spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan said.
Two Italian activists allege physical assault
Italian journalist Alessandro Mantovani, one of several activists separated from the others and flown home, said that he had been beaten in Israeli detention in what he described as a container, describing it as a "place of terror".
"'Beat you up' means they kicked me in the legs and punched me in the face. These are people who know what they are doing, so I don't have any major visible marks ... They would beat you up and would tell you 'Welcome to Israel'," he told reporters on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Another Italian activist, Dario Carotenuto, a politician from the 5-Star Movement, said he had been punched in the eye and kicked while detained.
Israel's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the activists' allegations.
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Activists who were part of previous flotillas intercepted by Israel also said they faced abuse by its forces, a claim rejected by Israeli officials.
Flotilla organisers say they aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid, which charities say is still in short supply despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place since last October that includes guarantees of increased assistance.
The vessels departed from southern Turkey earlier this week before being intercepted yesterday.
Past flotillas were also intercepted by Israel, with participants later deported.
Israeli rights group Adalah said the estimated 430 activists had been released from prison in southern Israel.
Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan said that his country was conducting special flights to bring Turkish citizens as well as third country participants to Turkey.
"We will continue to uphold the rights of our citizens and fulfil our humanitarian responsibility toward civilians in Gaza," Mr Fidan said.
Taunting of activists comes ahead of Israeli election
Mr Ben-Gvir's video shows officers forcing an activist to the ground after she chants "Free, free Palestine".
Dozens of detainees are also seen kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
In the background, soldiers armed with guns can be seen patrolling the area from aboard a military vessel.
During Israel's military assault on Gaza, launched after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, troops frequently lined up detained Palestinians on the ground, with their hands bound.
"Look at them now. See how they look now, not heroes and not anything," Mr Ben-Gvir says in the video as he walks by the activists while carrying an Israeli flag.
Mr Netanyahu said the minister's conduct was "not in line with Israel's values and norms".
Mr Ben-Gvir's political base includes some of Israel's most nationalist voters, a bloc that Mr Netanyahu's Likud party has tried to woo ahead of national elections, the next of which is due by 27 October.
This week, Israel moved closer to a snap election after politicians gave an initial nod to dissolve parliament.
Canada and Spain are among countries that have imposed sanctions on Mr Ben-Gvir and far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing allegations that they incited violence against Palestinians.
