France bans Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over Gaza flotilla abuse claims

French foreign minister Jean‑Noël Barrot announced that Israeli minister of national security Itamar Ben‑Gvir is prohibited from entering French territory. The ban, described as an immediate response to Ben‑Gvir’s “repulsive conduct” toward activists detained from a humanitarian flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, follows a video in which he is seen provoking bound detainees while kneeling. Barrot said, “We cannot tolerate threats, intimidation or brutality toward French citizens,” and added that France “does not approve of the access of this flotilla, which burdens diplomatic and consular services.”

The incident comes after Israeli forces captured about 430 activists on 50 boats and, according to flotilla organizers, at least 15 of the detainees reported sexual assaults, including rape. Israeli prison officials denied the accusations, stating that detainees were held “in accordance with the law and with full respect for their basic rights.” European governments, including France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, have condemned the treatment, and Poland has also imposed a five‑year entry ban on Ben‑Gvir.