Jairam Ramesh slams Modi govt's 'silence' on controversial Israel video

Congress's Jairam Ramesh slammed the Modi govt's "total silence" on a controversial video by Israel's Itamar Ben-Gvir showing degrading treatment of Gaza-bound activists. The video has drawn condemnation from ten nations and from PM Netanyahu.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday slammed the Centre for "total silence" over a controversial video broadcast by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which allegedly captures Israeli personnel subjecting the captured international activists to degrading treatment. The video has drawn condemnation from ten nations, including seven European countries.

Jairam Ramesh wrote on X, "Governments and organisations across the world have strongly condemned the manner in which Israel's national security minister has dealt with activists of the Gaza-bound peace flotilla drawn from different countries. But true to form, the Modi Govt maintains total silence on such continuing outrages."

International Outcry and Diplomatic Action

Canada and nine other nations have summoned Israeli diplomats after the video broadcast surfaced. The video was published by Ben-Gvir himself, which captures the right-wing minister mocking the pro-Palestinian volunteers. The individuals were seen bound with plastic cable ties and forced onto their knees after their vessel was intercepted in international waters on Monday.

The broadcast of the sixty-second video clip triggered immediate condemnation, shining a spotlight on the intercepted relief convoy. Transporting 428 peace activists representing 44 distinct nationalities, the maritime mission had begun its voyage last Thursday from Marmaris, Turkey, as part of a renewed civil effort to challenge the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

The Italian Foreign Ministry hauled in Israel's ambassador to lodge a formal complaint and demand the immediate repatriation of its citizens, with Secretary-General Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia officially transmitting Rome's "strong protest" regarding the escalation. Canada's strong response came as, according to reports by Al Jazeera, the humanitarian convoy included a contingent of eleven Canadian citizens who were aboard the aid flotilla when it was intercepted, as confirmed by the mission's coordinators.

Netanyahu Disavows Minister's Actions

Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled the minister, stating, "The way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel's values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible." (ANI)

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