European Council President António Costa said on Thursday he was “shocked” by the treatment of aid flotilla activists who attempted to reach Gaza, criticizing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

His remarks came after a video circulated on Wednesday showing Israeli police forcing activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla to kneel on the ground in rows with their hands tied behind their backs, while Ben-Gvir watched and commented on the scene.

In a statement posted on X, Costa said: “I am shocked by the treatment of the flotilla members by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. This behavior is completely unacceptable.”

He also called for the immediate release of those detained.