The Greek ambassador to Israel is expected to visit Greek citizens detained at the port of Ashdod after their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza, as diplomatic efforts intensify over their detention and reported treatment by Israeli authorities.
According to Greek officials, Ambassador Maya Solomou is scheduled to meet the detained Greek nationals and provide consular assistance while overseeing procedures aimed at securing their swift and safe repatriation.
The development comes amid mounting international condemnation over the alleged conduct of Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, toward activists who took part in the Gaza-bound flotilla. Approximately 19 Greek citizens are believed to be among those affected.
@channelnewsasia A video showing Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists on Wednesday (May 20) has reportedly sparked international condemnation. Two videos released by Ben Gvir’s office show activists who were aboard a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza being arrested by police. The incident has also prompted rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. #israel #gaza ♬ original sound – CNA
Greece Issues Formal Protest
In a statement released on Tuesday, Greece’s Foreign Ministry described the minister’s reported behavior toward flotilla participants as “unacceptable” and “fully condemnable.” Following instructions from Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Greek authorities lodged a formal diplomatic protest regarding the incident.
The ministry also called on Israeli authorities to fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights standards, urging them to complete all administrative procedures without delay and immediately release the detained Greek citizens.
Greek officials had already submitted previous diplomatic representations to Israel in recent days, requesting guarantees for the safety of the Greek participants and the prompt handling of all relevant procedures. Authorities have also remained in contact with relatives of those aboard the flotilla to provide updates on developments.
Opposition Criticizes Government Response
The issue has also sparked political debate in Greece.
Dimitris Mantzos, foreign affairs spokesperson for the opposition PASOK party, said the alleged actions of the Israeli minister had triggered international outrage. He argued that the Greek Foreign Ministry’s response did not match the seriousness of the incident and was less forceful than reactions from other European Union member states that had already sought explanations from Israeli diplomatic authorities.
Mantzos further expressed concern over reports regarding the treatment of detainees, saying such allegations heightened worries about the well-being and safety of the Greek citizens involved in the mission.
He called on the Greek government to intensify all necessary initiatives to secure their immediate and safe return.
@aljazeeraenglish Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted video of himself taunting detained Gaza-bound activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla with the caption, ‘Welcome to Israel’. . The activists, abducted by Israeli forces in international waters, are seen zip tied and kneeling while Israel’s national anthem blares. #news ♬ original sound – Al Jazeera English
International Reactions
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement condemning what it described as verbal and physical violence against participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla after the vessel was intercepted by Israeli authorities.
The ministry said it was coordinating with other countries to ensure the immediate and safe release of detained Turkish citizens and other activists, adding that diplomatic efforts were continuing.
