Ian Borg condemns Israeli minister's 'deeply disturbing' behaviour
Itamar Ben Gvir posted a video of detained flotilla activists forced to kneel
Ian Borg has condemned the behaviour of an Israeli Minister who, on Wednesday, posted a video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, hands bound and foreheads on the ground.
Itamar Ben Gvir's behaviour, Borg said, was "deeply disturbing and unacceptable".
Israel's far-right National Security Minister posted the video on his X account, showing detained activists from a flotilla kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and foreheads on the ground.
Itamar Ben Gvir in the video he shared on X.The footage, captioned "Welcome to Israel", shows dozens of activists on the deck of a military boat with the Israeli national anthem blaring, and in detention in Israel, where the minister is seen waving an Israeli flag.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory, after Israeli forces intercepted a previous convoy last month.
In the video he shared, he is seen encouraging staff at the detention centre as they push down an activist who had stood up to say "free free Palestine" as he walked by.
Israel's own Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar condemned Ben Gvir.
The footage sparked condemnation from numerous governments and the EU.
On Thursday, Malta's foreign affairs minister Borg said "the behaviour of Minister Ben Gvir toward the Global Smud flotilla activists is deeply disturbing and unacceptable".
"Malta adds its voice to the international condemnation of his actions, which were also denounced by his own colleagues in the Israeli government.
"Such actions are inconsistent with democratic norms and fundamental values of human dignity. We demand the release of citizens and their treatment in a manner consistent with international standards."