Riyadh, May 24 (SANA) The foreign ministers of eight Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Sunday strongly condemning what they described as the “horrific, humiliating and unacceptable” actions of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir against participants in a Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
The statement was signed by the top diplomats of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The ministers said the “deliberate public humiliation” carried out by Ben Gvir against the detained activists constituted an “outrageous assault on human dignity” and a clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law.
They also strongly condemned what they called “unlawful and extremist acts of incitement and violence” committed by Ben Gvir and other Israeli officials against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The ministers warned that Ben Gvir’s provocative actions fuel hatred and extremism and hinder efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. They called for Ben Gvir to be held accountable and for concrete measures to stop his repeated provocations, incitement and violations, and to prevent him from continuing his threats.
The statement also stressed the need to protect human rights, preserve the dignity of all detainees, ensure their humane treatment, and guarantee full respect for international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Last week, Israeli occupation forces seized ships belonging to the Sumud Flotilla sailing from Türkiye toward Gaza in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, detaining dozens of participants. Organizers had said the mission was humanitarian and peaceful, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza.
The Palestinian presidency said Friday it had followed with “great dismay” scenes showing Ben Gvir with his guards on a provocative and showy visit while activists were handcuffed, thrown to the ground and abused following their detention.
KhA
