Austria’s foreign ministry condemned on Wednesday the footage released by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, which shows the treatment of activists detained after trying to reach the Gaza Strip by boat, saying that three Austrian citizens are still in Israeli custody, reports Anadolu.

“The videos that far-right police minister Ben-Gvir has published regarding the treatment of activists are absolutely appalling. unacceptable,” wrote Beate Meinl-Reisinger in a post on the American social platform X.

She said her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, also “rightly condemned this strongly,” adding: “Today we expressed our indignation to the Israeli Embassy in Vienna.”

Meinl-Reisinger said Austria has repeatedly asked Israel to “show maximum restraint in dealing with the aid flotilla and respect its international law”.

“We are in constant communication with the Israeli authorities”, she said, adding that Austrian embassy staff are assisting the affected persons “to facilitate their speedy departure”.

She said that Austria shares “the goal of improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza”, but has “strongly advised against participating in an aid flotilla under these circumstances”.

“Of course, the safety of Austrian citizens is our top priority,” she added.

The statements came after footage released by Ben-Gvir showed activists detained, tied up and forced to kneel after being stopped by Israeli forces in international waters.

The Sumud Global Humanitarian Flotilla said on Tuesday that all 50 ships in its convoy were seized by Israel.

Source: prizrenpost