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Or sign-in if you have an account.Left wing and green MEP demonstrate in support of the Gaza flotilla during a plenary session at the Strasbourg European Parliament on May 20, 2026. Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON /AFP via Getty Images)Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy summoned Israel’s ambassadors over the treatment of activists detained by Israel after seeking to breach its naval blockade of Gaza in a flotilla.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorDutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten called Israel’s treatment of the activists “dehumanizing,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloniand Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded an apology and said the protesters “are subjected to treatment that violates their dignity.”Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said images of the detained activists, including Belgian citizens, were “deeply disturbing” and criticized “a government minister broadcasting their humiliation on social media,” a reference made to social media posts by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.Columnist Jesse Kline keeps you up to date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada. Friday mornings.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Channel Israel will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe videos from Ben-Gvir have drawn outrage in European countries whose citizens are in the flotilla, and mark a new source of tensions between some European states and Israel. They also sparked controversy in Israel.“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.“However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” he said, adding that he had instructed the relevant authorities to “deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Ben-Gvir had “undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people — from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others” in a “disgraceful display,” writing in a post on X.— With assistance from Galit Altstein and Dan Williams Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.