France Prohibits Entry of Israeli Minister Over Treatment of Gaza Activists
France bars Israeli minister over 'brutalised' Gaza flotilla activists
Image: Rfi
France has barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country due to his treatment of pro-Palestinian activists detained during a flotilla attempt to reach Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, calling for EU sanctions as activists reported severe mistreatment while in Israeli custody.
- 01The ban on Ben-Gvir is effective immediately and stems from his treatment of French nationals involved in the flotilla.
- 02French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that France cannot tolerate the intimidation of its citizens by public officials.
- 03Activists reported severe mistreatment, including violence and sexual abuse, while detained by Israeli authorities.
- 04Eight of the 36 French nationals involved in the flotilla returned to Paris, with two remaining hospitalized in Turkey.
- 05The Israeli prison service denied the allegations of abuse, calling them false and without factual basis.
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The French government has imposed an immediate travel ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir due to his treatment of pro-Palestinian activists during a flotilla attempt to reach Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the ban, citing Ben-Gvir's 'reprehensible actions' towards French and European citizens involved in the flotilla. While Barrot expressed his disapproval of the flotilla's activities, he stressed that France cannot accept the intimidation or brutalization of its nationals by any public official. Activists who were detained reported experiencing violence, sexual abuse, and humiliation at the hands of Israeli authorities. Eight of the 36 French nationals who participated in the flotilla returned to Paris, revealing that two of their fellow activists are still hospitalized in Turkey. In response to the allegations, the Israeli prison service stated that the claims of abuse are false. Barrot, alongside the Italian government, is advocating for European Union sanctions against Ben-Gvir in light of these events.
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The travel ban on Ben-Gvir may strain diplomatic relations between France and Israel, impacting future interactions regarding human rights and international law.
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