France bans Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over Gaza activist video
France has banned Israeli far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Saturday. Barrot wrote on X that the ban is effective immediately and called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir, alongside Italy. The decision follows international outrage after Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, being pinned to the ground by Israeli authorities. Some activists later alleged physical assault during detention, which Israel's prison service denied. The flotilla activists arrived in Rome on Saturday after being released.
Key facts
- France banned Israeli far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from French territory.
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the ban on Saturday.
- Barrot posted the announcement on X, stating the ban is effective immediately.
- Barrot asked the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir, alongside Italy.
- The ban follows outrage over a video Ben-Gvir posted taunting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
- The activists were attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza and were pinned to the ground.
- Some activists alleged physical assault in detention, which Israel's prison service denied.
- The flotilla activists arrived in Rome on Saturday after being released.
Entities
Institutions
- French Foreign Ministry
- European Union
- Global Sumud Flotilla
- Israel Prison Service
Locations
- France
- Israel
- Gaza
- Rome
- Italy