TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The European Union is considering sanctions against several senior Israeli officials following the detention of activists from the pro-Palestinian Global Sumud Flotilla, according to a draft conclusion for an EU summit scheduled for June 18–19, as reported by Politico.
The report said ambassadors from EU member states are expected to discuss for the first time on Wednesday the possibility of imposing restrictions on senior members of the Israeli government.
“The European Council condemns the mistreatment of detainees following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters,” the draft document states, according to Politico.
The document also calls on the Council of the European Union to continue discussions on “restrictive measures against extremist ministers inciting and promoting such human rights abuses.”
An unnamed EU official told Politico that a final decision would only be made after all member states have presented their positions.
“We will have to listen to everybody’s position before we reach a final agreement,” the official was quoted as saying.
The report added that the Czech Republic has expressed opposition to the proposed sanctions.
Activists Report Abuse After Interception
The latest developments follow the release of a video by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing Israeli security personnel detaining activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The footage appeared to show activists being forced to kneel, lower their heads to the floor, and remain restrained while in custody. Ben-Gvir also appeared in the video and made remarks that activists described as provocative.
The Global Sumud Flotilla later reported around 30 cases of broken bones among its activists and accused Israeli forces of mistreatment during and after the interception.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international humanitarian convoy involving dozens of civilian vessels from multiple countries. Its stated mission is to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the enclave.
The flotilla includes hundreds of volunteers from various backgrounds, including environmental activists, journalists, medical workers, and international politicians. The vessels carry emergency supplies such as food, clean water, infant formula, and medical equipment.
Organizers describe the mission as a peaceful act of international solidarity aimed at ending the blockade and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Previous flotilla missions have frequently faced obstacles, including interceptions by Israeli forces in international waters that resulted in the detention of activists.
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