“Brazil demands the immediate release of all detained activists, including four Brazilian citizens, as well as full respect for their rights and dignity, in line with the international commitments made by the State of Israel,” the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release on Wednesday evening (the 20th).
The administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which has been highly critical of Israel since the country launched its latest war against the Gaza Strip, reiterated its disapproval of the intercepted vessels in international waters and the detention of their crew members, actions it described as illegal.
Footage uploaded by Ben Gvir to social media shows the activists on a military ship, tied up and crammed together, on their knees with their heads on the floor, while the Israeli national anthem plays.
The minister is also seen welcoming them on shore with a “welcome to Israel” as he raises an Israeli flag, and saying “that’s the way it should be” as he watches them being led away with their heads bowed.
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In another scene from the video, police officers force the detainees to walk in a crouched position, holding them by the head while their hands are tied behind their backs.
Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Israel have been at a minimum since Israel’s military offensive on the Gaza Strip, which Lula publicly described as genocide, prompting the Israeli government to declare him “persona non grata.”
The Brazilian leader also harshly criticized the bombings of Iran by Israel and the United States, which, in turn, responded with attacks on the Persian Gulf countries.
Footage: Ben Gvir / X
