France bans Israeli security chief who assaulted humanitarian flotilla activists
Moscow — France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has imposed a ban on entry into French territory for Itamar Ben-Gvir, a security official in the Israeli regime, following reports that activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) suffered violence during their detention last week.
Previously, France Info radio reported that the activists intended to file formal complaints with several nations against Israel over the cruel treatment they experienced when seized by Israeli forces in international waters.
“As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is prohibited from entering French territory. This decision was made following unacceptable actions against French citizens and European citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla,” Barrot stated on the social media platform X on Saturday.
The French Foreign Minister also called on European Union member states to take similar action against the Israeli regime official.
However, in the same statement, Barrot expressed disagreement with the humanitarian flotilla’s attempt to break the Gaza Strip blockade. He viewed the GSF’s actions as “producing no useful impact whatsoever and instead burdening diplomatic and consular services”.
On Wednesday (20 May), Israeli foreign affairs authorities reported that the Israeli navy had detained 430 volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla who were transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among them were four Polish nationals.
Itamar Ben-Gvir subsequently travelled directly to Ashdod Port to oversee the detained activists, then broadcast video footage of his activities on social media.
The footage showed Ben-Gvir raising the Israeli flag in front of activists who were forced into a bowing position with hands bound behind their backs.
Several nations expressed outrage at the provocative actions by the Israeli regime official and demanded explanations from Israeli authorities.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry even proposed that the European Union impose sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
The aid convoy that set out to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip departed from Barcelona, Spain, on 15 April.
On Monday (18 May), the vessels in the flotilla were reportedly surrounded and, according to its organisers, forcibly intercepted by Israeli personnel in international waters approximately 250 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip coastline.