Albanian FM expresses concern over Israeli minister’s video on detained activists, confirms consular assistance

TIRANA, May 21 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed concern over a video published by Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, among them an Albanian national.

Meanwhile, Hoxha reacted on the social media platform X, describing the footage as “shocking and unacceptable”. He underlined the need for full respect of human dignity, human rights, and international humanitarian law in the treatment of all detained activists. In addition, he said the images raise serious concerns over compliance with international standards of humane treatment.

At the same time, Hoxha instructed Albania’s Embassy in Tel Aviv to remain in close contact with Israeli authorities. He said the objective is to ensure consular assistance for the Albanian citizen involved, in line with international law.

The video published by Ben-Gvir shows the minister mocking more than 400 detained activists from a humanitarian mission toward Gaza under the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative. Israeli forces detained the activists in international waters during an attempt to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip. According to reports, they were transported to the port of Ashdod and filmed kneeling, blindfolded, and handcuffed.

Meanwhile, several European leaders and international organisations reacted strongly. They described the treatment as “shameful” and “unacceptable” and raised concerns over possible violations of human dignity and international detention standards.

/a.p./

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