French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the immediate ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering France. Barrot cited Ben-Gvir’s actions towards French and European citizens aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla as “unqualifiable.” He emphasized the need to protect French nationals from threats and violence, especially by a public official.
Barrot urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir following the incident. The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid to Gaza, faced interception by Israeli naval vessels in international waters. The organizers reported that 428 activists were taken into custody by Israel during the interception.
The treatment of activists from the Global Sumud flotilla was condemned by Barrot as “unacceptable.” He announced the summoning of Israel’s Ambassador to France, Joshua L. Zarka, in response to the actions of the Israeli side. Israeli forces also seized two humanitarian aid flotillas carrying South Korean activists bound for the Gaza Strip.
