Italy and France have denounced as 'unacceptable' the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces near Cyprus. Both countries summoned Israel's ambassadors after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists detained at the port of Ashdod. His actions prompted rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were 'not in line with Israel's values'. A rights group representing the 430 participants from more than 40 countries who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has demanded their immediate release. The flotilla, which carried a token amount of aid, set out to highlight the tough conditions for Palestinians in war-torn Gaza. Israel dismissed it as a 'PR stunt at the service of Hamas'. More than 50 boats took part in the flotilla, but Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus, about 250 nautical miles from Gaza. Ben-Gvir's video showed him encouraging security personnel as they pushed down a female activist and waving an Israeli flag next to detained activists. Following widespread condemnation, both Italian and French officials demanded accountability for the treatment of their nationals involved in the flotilla.”