CANBERRA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Thursday condemned Israel's taunting of detained activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, saying the treatment is "shocking and unacceptable."
Wong made the remarks on social media platform X in response to a video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing his taunting of bound detained activists on their knees with heads on the floor.
Wong said in a post, "The images we have seen posted by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir, who Australia has sanctioned, are shocking and unacceptable. We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained."
She added that Australia's Ambassador to Israel has made representations to Israel, reiterating Australia's call for the release of the detained Australians and for Israel to ensure no ill-treatment of any detainees and to act in line with international obligations.
She has also directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to call in Israel's Ambassador to Australia to reinforce the message. ■