The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it has sent a diplomatic protest to Israel regarding remarks made by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir against the activists who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 29 Greek citizens.
“A strong written protest was delivered a short while ago to the Israeli ambassador in Greece regarding the unacceptable and inappropriate behavior of an Israeli minister,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, a delegation visited the detention center where the Greek activists are being held to ensure they are in good health. Among the detained activists is Peti Perka, an MP from the New Left.
“A delegation from the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv, led by the Greek ambassador to Israel, visited today, Friday, October 3, the detention center where the 27 Greek citizens who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla are being held,” it stated. “The Greek citizens are in good health,” it added.
During his visit to the port of Ashdod, Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, was recorded on video calling the activists “terrorists” while standing in front of them. “These are the terrorists of the flotilla,” he said.
Later, he went further, demanding that the flotilla activists be jailed instead of deported.
Earlier on Friday, Greek opposition parties called on the government to take the necessary actions to secure the release of the Greek activists.