Wong condemns ‘shocking, degrading’ footage of Israeli minister taunting captured activists
Josh Butler
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has condemned the actions of Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted a video of himself abusing bound activists captured while trying to sail an aid flotilla to Gaza.
Wong joined international condemnation of the footage, which shows Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag, mocking and taunting the detainees, including shouting: “The people of Israel live” in the face of one bound man.
In a statement, Wong said: “The images we have seen are shocking and unacceptable”.
We condemn the actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.
I have asked Australia’s Ambassador to Israel to make representations to Israel, reiterating our 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.
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Wong joined international condemnation of the footage, which shows Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag, mocking and taunting the detainees, including shouting: “The people of Israel live” in the face of one bound man.
\n In a statement, Wong said: “The images we have seen are shocking and unacceptable”.
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\n
We condemn the actions of Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.
\n I have asked Australia’s Ambassador to Israel to make representations to Israel, reiterating our 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.
\n
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Hello everyone, it’s Nick Visser here once again to hand down the day’s news. Here’s what’s on deck:
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The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has issued a sharp rebuke to Israel over footage of the country’s far-right national security minister mocking and taunting activists who were captured on the Global Sumud Flotilla this week. Wong said in a statement the images were “shocking and unacceptable”.
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics is set to release its latest figures on the country’s jobless rate today. Any major uptick will be closely watched by the Reserve Bank and any plans for future rate hikes.
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Stick with us, we’ll have more for you soon.
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Key events
Good morning
Hello everyone, it’s Nick Visser here once again to hand down the day’s news. Here’s what’s on deck:
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has issued a sharp rebuke to Israel over footage of the country’s far-right national security minister mocking and taunting activists who were captured on the Global Sumud Flotilla this week. Wong said in a statement the images were “shocking and unacceptable”.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is set to release its latest figures on the country’s jobless rate today. Any major uptick will be closely watched by the Reserve Bank and any plans for future rate hikes.
Stick with us, we’ll have more for you soon.
