Bettel accosted by pro-Palestinian protesters at restaurant

Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel has been accosted by pro-Palestinian protesters at a restaurant in Luxembourg’s capital, who demanded he take action over an activist from the Grand Duchy who has been “kidnapped” by Israeli Defence Forces while on an international flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In a video posted on the social media platform Instagram, Bettel is seen eating at a restaurant with colleagues from the Democratic Party (DP), deputy Carole Hartmann and Economy Minister Lex Delles, when he is challenged by a woman who asks him to comment on “Nora’s situation”, a reference to Nora Rosa Fellens Huberty.

On Thursday, Huberty said she had been “kidnapped” by the IDF in a video message relayed to the media by Patrick Bosch, the spokesperson for the Luxembourg arm of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is understood to have been intercepted by Israeli forces.

A protest had taken place outside the foreign ministry on Thursday about Huberty’s reported detention, and some activists then followed Bettel to the restaurant, where the video was filmed.

“I already spoke on that,” Bettel replied. “I am worried, the ministry warned her not to go, I hope nothing happens to her.” When pressed again on the case, Bettel said: “I’m eating”.

That prompted a furious response from the woman, who said: “Enjoy your meal while other people are starving because you’re a war criminal.”

The foreign minister then tried to de-escalate the situation by offering the activists a drink, but that offer was refused. “I want you to sanction Israel. I’m not going to have a nice day, because of your f***ing actions towards Palestine. How do you sleep at night? How are you having this meal?,” screamed the activist.

Luxembourg’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by the news of Huberty’s presumed arrest on Thursday, and has called on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all participants, to respect the right to consular protection and to refrain from any use of force against participants.

Bettel was also abused in the comments under the video, which was shared by at least four different groups – including the youth wing of déi Lénk.

The foreign ministry has yet to respond to a request for comment from the Luxemburger Wort.

(This article was originally published by the Luxemburger Wort. Machine translated, with editing, adaptation and additional reporting by John Monaghan)