French government bans far-right Israeli minister due to activist abuse allegations

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced that France will not allow its nationals to be threatened or intimidated on French territory. As a result, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been banned from entering France.

Ben-Gvir had posted footage on social media showing himself gloating as activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla were held captive at the Port of Ashdod. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, resulting in the detention of approximately 430 participants. Hundreds have since been released.

Several countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain, have condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions, calling them “unacceptable” and a violation of human dignity. The European Union has also been urged to impose sanctions against Ben-Gvir by French officials.

The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla have reported that some of the freed activists experienced sexual abuse while in Israeli detention. According to their statement, at least 15 cases of sexual abuse were reported, including humiliating strip searches and multiple accounts of rape. The Israeli prison service has denied these allegations, stating that they are “false and entirely without factual basis”.

In addition, five French participants from the flotilla have been hospitalised in Turkey, with some suffering broken ribs or fractured vertebrae. Organisers of the flotilla have expressed concerns about the use of sanctions and false accusations to justify further crackdowns on activists.

Foreign Minister Barrot has stated that France will not tolerate its nationals being subjected to violence or intimidation, particularly by a public official. He has also called for European Union action against Ben-Gvir.

Source: Al Jazeera