21/05/2026
- Itamar Ben Gvir: Stop Mocking Humanitarian Activists and Respect International Human Rights
30 April 2026 | Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
The Centre for Environment, Human Rights & Development Forum (CEHRDF) expresses deep concern over recent actions and remarks by Itamar Ben Gvir following outrage surrounding a video reportedly mocking and taunting abducted humanitarian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. The incident has triggered widespread international condemnation, with several countries reportedly summoning Israeli ambassadors in protest.
Humanitarian activists and aid missions operating to support civilians in crisis zones must be treated with dignity, safety, and respect under international law. Publicly humiliating or mocking individuals engaged in humanitarian efforts undermines human rights principles, fuels tensions, and further damages the prospects for peace, dialogue, and accountability.
The continued targeting and intimidation of humanitarian missions seeking to assist civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip raises serious concerns regarding the protection of humanitarian actors and the shrinking space for humanitarian action. At a time when millions face hunger, displacement, and severe shortages of medicine and essential supplies, the international community must prioritize humanity over political hostility.
“Humanitarian workers and activists should never be ridiculed, threatened, or targeted for standing with suffering civilians. Respect for human dignity and international humanitarian principles is essential in every conflict. The world must reject hatred, humiliation, and impunity,” said Md. Ilias Miah, Chief Executive, CEHRDF.
CEHRDF calls on the international community, the United Nations, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of humanitarian activists, uphold international law, promote accountability for violations against humanitarian missions, and guarantee safe humanitarian access to Gaza. Silence and inaction will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and normalize the erosion of human rights and international norms.
Statement by:
Mohammad Khubaib
Spokesperson & Additional Chief Director, GHQ
CEHRDF
[email protected]
