Indonesia and seven other countries have jointly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israeli security forces over allegations of abuse and mistreatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) during their detention.
The strong statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who collectively denounced the reported conduct and called for accountability over what they described as serious violations of international law.
According to Anadolu Agency, the eight foreign ministers described the actions attributed to Ben Gvir as “horrific” and “unacceptable,” marking one of the most coordinated diplomatic responses from the region in recent months.
The statement specifically criticized what it described as public humiliation of detainees, calling it a “shameful assault on human dignity” and a clear breach of both international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The ministers also condemned what they described as incitement and unlawful violence by Ben Gvir and other Israeli officials against Palestinians more broadly, warning that such behavior risks escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
They stressed that provocative actions of this nature “fuel hatred and extremism” and undermine ongoing international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution framework.
The joint statement further called for accountability for Ben Gvir’s actions and urged concrete steps to end repeated provocations and violations, emphasizing the need to uphold international legal standards.
The ministers underscored the importance of protecting human rights and ensuring humane treatment and dignity for all detainees, regardless of political or security circumstances, and reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to comply with international law.
The statement comes after Israeli authorities detained hundreds of Global Sumud Flotilla activists in international waters last week during a maritime interception operation.
The activists were subsequently transferred to the port of Ashdod before being taken into immigration detention facilities for processing and eventual repatriation to their countries of origin.
However, reports of their treatment during detention have sparked widespread condemnation, with allegations of inhumane conditions and physical humiliation emerging from multiple sources.
Footage circulating on social media reportedly showed detained activists with their hands tied behind their backs, being dragged by Israeli personnel and forced to bow. Some accounts also alleged instances of abuse involving activists from Indonesia and other countries.
Israeli authorities released the detainees on Thursday, after which they were flown to Turkey before continuing their journeys back to their respective home countries.
The incident has further intensified diplomatic scrutiny over Israel’s handling of activists involved in humanitarian missions in contested maritime areas.
For Indonesia and its regional partners, the case has become a focal point in broader concerns over adherence to international humanitarian standards and the treatment of civilians and activists in conflict-related situations.
Officials from the eight countries emphasized that safeguarding human dignity must remain a universal principle, even amid political and security disputes.
They reiterated that violations of international law should not go unaddressed and urged the international community to take a firmer stance against any actions that undermine established legal norms.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes activists from various countries, has previously undertaken maritime missions aimed at drawing international attention to humanitarian issues affecting Palestinians.
While such missions have often drawn political controversy, the latest incident has significantly escalated diplomatic tensions due to the nature of the allegations and the involvement of multiple foreign nationals.
The coordinated response from Indonesia and seven other countries highlights growing international concern over the treatment of detained activists and the broader legal implications of maritime enforcement operations in contested waters.
As investigations and diplomatic discussions continue, the case is expected to remain a sensitive issue in regional and international forums focused on human rights, maritime law, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
