Brazil's Foreign Ministry summoned on Thursday (21) the head of Israel's embassy in Brazil, Rasha Athamni, to demand explanations about a video showing activists kneeling with hands tied and foreheads on the ground. Among those detained were four Brazilians participating in the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O Ministério das Relações Exteriores convocou, nesta quinta-feira (21), a chefe de negócios da Embaixada de Israel no Brasil, Rasha Athamni, para cobrar explicações sobre o vídeo que mostra ativistas com as mãos amarradas e as testas apoiadas no chão"
"O grupo interceptado no Mediterrâneo contava com a presença de quatro brasileiros, que faziam parte do esforço de socorro internacional"
The images were released by Israel's Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who appears waving an Israeli flag next to dozens of tied-up activists, saying 'Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords,' according to BBC News. The interception began Monday in international waters west of Cyprus, about 250 nautical miles from Gaza's coast. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"As imagens foram divulgadas pelo ministro da Segurança Interna de Israel, Itamar Ben Gvir"
"Ben-Gvir is then shown waving a large Israeli flag next to dozens of activists kneeling on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs. He tells them in Hebrew: 'Welcome to Israel. We are the landlords.'"
"On Monday morning, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus, about 250 nautical miles (460km) from the coast of Gaza"
In an official statement dated May 20, Brazil's Foreign Ministry condemned the 'degrading and humiliating treatment dispensed by Israeli authorities' and classified both the interception in international waters and the detention of participants as 'illegal actions.' The Brazilian government demanded 'immediate release of all detained activists.' ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O governo brasileiro deplora o tratamento degradante e humilhante dispensado por autoridades israelenses, em particular pelo Ministro da Segurança Interna de Israel, Itamar Ben Gvir, aos participantes da Flotilha Global Sumud. Ao reiterar seu repúdio à interceptação, em águas internacionais, das embarcações integrantes da flotilha e à detenção de seus participantes — ambas ações ilegais —, o Brasil demanda libertação imediata de todos os ativistas detidos, incluindo de quatro cidadãos brasileiros"
The Global Sumud Flotilla consisted of more than 50 vessels that departed from Turkey with 430 people from more than 40 countries carrying symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza, as reported by BBC News. The meeting at the Foreign Ministry was conducted by Middle East Department director Clélio Crippa. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"More than 50 boats taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) set sail from Turkey last Thursday carrying a token amount of aid. Four hundred and thirty people from more than 40 countries were on board."
"A reunião aconteceu na sede do Itamaraty, em Brasília, e foi conduzida pelo diretor do Departamento de Oriente Médio, Clélio Crippa"
Four Brazilians were among the flotilla activists intercepted
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Ben Gvir was criticized internally by Netanyahu and the Israeli Foreign Minister
The activists arrived safely in Turkey after release
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What was the Israeli diplomat's specific response during the meeting at the Foreign Ministry?
Why it's still unknown: No outlet reported the content of explanations provided by Rasha Athamni
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When were the four detained Brazilians actually released and returned to Brazil?
Why it's still unknown: Band.com.br mentions they arrived 'safely in Turkey', but provides no details about repatriation
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What were the internal consequences in Israel for Ben Gvir after criticism from Netanyahu and the foreign minister?
Why it's still unknown: CartaCapital mentions internal criticism, but doesn't detail disciplinary or administrative measures
Did not cover: Band Cbn