Colombia: President Petro calls the Israeli minister a “Nazi” for the humiliating treatment of activists

Published at: 21/05/2026 02:28 PM

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, publicly described Israel's Zionist Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, as a “true Nazi”, after the release of images showing the degrading treatment inflicted on international aid workers in the Global Sumud (GSF) humanitarian flotilla.

The Colombian president used his official channels to denounce the actions of the Israeli authorities against the group of pro-Palestinian activists who were intercepted in international waters while trying to transfer humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The reaction of the Colombian head of state came after the publication of an audiovisual material in which Minister Ben-Gvir is seen rebuking and mocking the detainees in the port facilities of Ashdod.

In the images, civilian aid workers appear tied up and forced to remain on their knees on the ground, while security forces play Israel's national anthem in the background in a clear act of intimidation and institutional harassment.

The controversial video, which has sparked a wave of indignation and condemnation on the international diplomatic scene, was originally shared by Ben-Gvir himself through his social networks under the caption “Welcome to Israel”.

The official, recognized for his extreme right-wing positions, has confirmed himself as the most politically responsible for ordering the interception of civilian vessels and for publicly boasting about the procedures for the capture and subsequent confinement of hundreds of foreign activists.

This statement by Petro deepens political tensions between Bogotá and Tel Aviv, adding to the rejection of other governments in the region that have already presented formal protests over the abuses suffered by their citizens during deportation operations.

The international community and various human rights organizations remain focused on the situation of those detained, warning that the custody methods used violate international conventions on the treatment of civilians in conflict zones.

Mazo News Team