Dutch FM summons Israeli ambassador over mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists, media
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced on Wednesday he has summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands over the treatment of activists and journalists attempting to bring relief aid by sea to people in the Gaza Strip. The last ships of about 50 vessels taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla spring convoy were intercepted by Israeli authorities this week. Hundreds of people were arrested, including two Dutch journalists working for public broadcaster BNNVARA, with video showing those detained treated in a violent or humiliating manner.
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was among those appearing in the video. He also shared footage on social media showing people forced down to the ground, bound by their hands, and lined up on their knees, bent over with their heads and hands touching the ground.
“The images shared by extremist Minister Ben-Gvir of detained Flotilla activists are shocking and unacceptable. This treatment of detainees violates basic human dignity,” Berendsen wrote on social media. He said he raised the issue with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar.
Sa’ar himself also responded with outrage to his fellow Cabinet member’s conduct. “You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display - and not for the first time,” he wrote on X. “You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people - from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.”
Prime Minister Rob Jetten also said the “dehumanizing” treatment of those arrested was completely out of line. On social media, the Dutch leader said he addressed the issue with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “The Netherlands expects Israel to release these activists as soon as possible,” Jetten said.
Berendsen praised Sa’ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “clearly” distancing themselves from the manner in which the flotilla was ended. “I reiterated that Israel must treat all passengers in line with international law and guarantee the safety of Dutch citizens,” Berendsen said.
In total, more than 40 boats were intercepted and as many as 400 people were detained, including at least six Dutch citizens. On Tuesday, two Dutch BNNVARA journalists, including presenter Gijs Sanders and a cameraman whose identity has not been disclosed, were taken into custody by Israeli forces.
Their ship was boarded by the Israeli navy in international waters near Cyprus. The journalists were on board for BNNVARA platform De Marker to document the mission. Sanders had joined the vessel a month earlier in Sicily.
Following their detention at sea, the passengers, including the BNNVARA team, were transported to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where they are still being held.
The mission’s main objective was to symbolically and physically challenge the long-standing Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The 54 ships carried hundreds of international activists as well as 50 containers of humanitarian aid, including essential supplies such as medicines, baby formula, food, and five ambulances.
The longer-term objective was to establish a civilian presence in Gaza. Medical teams and construction workers on board had planned to stay after arrival in the territory to assist in rebuilding its severely damaged healthcare system and infrastructure.
