France Bans Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Over Gaza Flotilla Incident
France banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country after he posted a video showing bound Gaza flotilla activists being humiliated. The flotilla, carrying 430 international activists, was intercepted in international waters near Cyprus. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions, called for EU-level sanctions alongside Italy, and cited threats to French and European citizens. The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between Israel and European nations.
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France Bans Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir After Video Mocking Gaza Flotilla Activists
France has banned Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country following a video showing him mocking bound activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the ban on X, calling Ben-Gvir's actions 'reprehensible' towards French and European citizens. Barrot also called for EU-level sanctions alongside Italy. The video, posted by Ben-Gvir, shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their foreheads to the ground and hands tied, with the Israeli national anthem playing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the treatment as not in line with Israel's values but kept Ben-Gvir in his post. Spain also urged EU sanctions, and the UK summoned Israel's diplomat. The flotilla, organized by Global Sumud, attempted to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza. Thirty-six French nationals were among those detained. Ireland also condemned the incident as several Irish activists returned home.
TheJournal.ieFrance Bans Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir from Entry Over Flotilla Incident
France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, following his treatment of activists detained while attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the ban on Saturday via social media, citing Ben-Gvir's 'unacceptable actions toward French and European citizens aboard the Global Sumud flotilla.' The far-right Israeli minister faced widespread criticism after posting a video on X showing flotilla activists being forced to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs. Barrot also called for the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir, escalating diplomatic tensions between France and Israel over the incident.
POLITICOFrance bans Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, citing his 'unacceptable actions' against activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision on Saturday, stating that France cannot tolerate its nationals being threatened, intimidated, or brutalized by a serving government minister. The ban follows incidents involving French and European citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla. Barrot noted that Ben-Gvir's actions have been condemned by many Israeli government and political figures, and that they follow a pattern of shocking statements, incitement to hatred, and violence against Palestinians. He also mentioned that his Italian counterpart has taken similar measures.
Middle East MonitorFrance Bans Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir After Scandalous Video of Gaza Activists
France has banned far-right Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country following international outrage over a video he posted showing detained Gaza aid fleet activists being humiliated. The video, titled 'Welcome to Israel,' depicts dozens of activists tied up and on their knees on a military ship deck while the Israeli national anthem plays, with Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag. The aid fleet, consisting of over 50 boats carrying 430 international activists, was stopped by Israeli forces in international waters near Cyprus as it attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza. All foreign activists were subsequently deported from Israel, including eight Germans. Several of the German activists were reported injured upon arrival in Turkey. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot justified the ban citing Ben-Gvir's 'indescribable actions' against French and European citizens, and together with Italy, called for EU-level sanctions. Germany, the US, the EU, and other states have also condemned the incident.
taz.de - taz.deFrance Bans Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from Entering Territory Over Gaza Flotilla Incident
France has banned Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country, following his treatment of Gaza flotilla activists. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision on Saturday, as reported by AFP and cited by Agerpres. The ban is the latest European action against Ben Gvir, who has faced criticism for his hardline policies and actions related to the Gaza conflict. The move underscores growing diplomatic tensions between Israel and European nations over the handling of Palestinian issues.
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