23.05.2026 17:21
France has imposed a ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country due to the mistreatment of activists on the Gaza aid flotilla. Foreign Minister Barrot stated that they will not tolerate threats and harassment by Ben-Gvir against French and European citizens on ships stopped in international waters and called on the European Union to impose joint sanctions against the Israeli minister.
France has taken a radical step following the scandalous images of activists on the Global Sumud Fleet delivering aid to Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering all French territory as of today.
"THE EUROPEAN UNION SHOULD ALSO IMPOSE SANCTIONS"
In a statement on his social media account, Minister Barrot said the decision was made due to Ben-Gvir's "reprehensible" behavior towards French and European citizens. Emphasizing that they do not approve of the fleet's approach outside diplomatic methods, Barrot stressed that they will not accept their citizens being subjected to violence, and stated:
"We cannot tolerate French citizens being threatened, intimidated, or subjected to violence in this way, especially by a public official. These behaviors are a continuation of shocking actions that fuel hatred and violence against Palestinians. Like my Italian colleague, I call on the European Union to impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir."
WHAT HAPPENED?
On Monday, May 18, the Israeli army illegally intervened in the Global Sumud Fleet carrying aid to Gaza in international waters, detaining over 400 activists from more than 40 countries and taking them to Ashdod Port.
Far-right Minister Ben-Gvir went to the port and proudly shared a video on social media of himself harassing activists who were forced to kneel on the ground with their hands tied. Following the fleet incident, it was reported that the detained activists were subjected to physical violence, and at least 15 people were victims of sexual assault and rape.
In the footage, a female activist is heard shouting "Free Palestine" as Ben-Gvir passes by, and Israeli police are seen harshly intervening, forcing her to the ground. At that moment, far-right Ben-Gvir is heard saying, "That's how it should be done."
POLAND IS ALSO PREPARING TO MAKE THE SAME DECISION
Meanwhile, Poland is also preparing to make a similar decision. Polish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maciej Wewior announced that a formal request will be made to ban Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering Poland for his mistreatment of Global Sumud Fleet activists.