The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern and profound distress over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which appears to depict the dehumanizing treatment of detainees of  “Global Sumud Flotilla’’. 

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka said it is already engaging with the Israeli Foreign Ministry through diplomatic channels to secure immediate consular access to the affected Sri Lankan national including guarantees for her safety, wellbeing, and dignity and swift and safe repatriation to Sri Lanka.  

The Government of Sri Lanka remains fully committed to ensuring the protection of its citizens abroad, the ministry added. 

Sameera Mehboobdeen had departed Sri Lanka in April to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international mission involving activists from nearly 100 countries aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza.

More than 50 vessels set sail from Marmaris, Turkey, recently in what organizers described as the final leg of the journey to Gaza’s shores.

The Israeli Navy began intercepting the flotilla on Monday, weeks after a previous attempt was thwarted and two activists were detained. 

However, a recent video showing Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists has sparked searing international condemnation, as well as a rare public reprimand from Israel’s prime minister.

Two videos released by Ben Gvir’s office show activists who were aboard a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza being arrested by police, with some seen held in the stress position in a make-shift holding space at the port of Ashdod on Wednesday. (Newswire)

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