France Bans Israeli Minister Over Flotilla Activist Abuse

France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory following his taunting of abducted Global Sumud Flotilla activists. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision on X, citing Ben-Gvir's 'reprehensible actions' towards French and European citizens who were passengers on the flotilla.

The footage showed Ben-Gvir gloating as activists knelt blindfolded with their hands bound at the Port of Ashdod. Israeli naval forces had intercepted the flotilla’s vessels in international waters off Cyprus, abducting about 430 participants earlier this week. Hundreds were released and reported on Thursday.

Several countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain, summoned Israeli ambassadors to condemn the 'unacceptable' treatment of activists. Barrot emphasized that France cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened or subjected to violence by a public official.

The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported at least 15 cases of sexual abuse while in Israeli detention, including humiliating strip searches and rape. The United Nations expressed concern over these reports. Israel’s prison service denied the allegations, stating they were 'false and entirely without factual basis.'

Sabrina Charik, who helped organize the return of French citizens from the flotilla, told Reuters that five French participants had been hospitalized in Turkey with injuries such as broken ribs or fractured vertebrae. Some reported detailed accusations of sexual violence.

Activists detained when their flotilla attempted to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza described beatings, tasers, and attack dogs at the hands of Israeli soldiers. According to reports from the Associated Press, activists were punched, kicked, dragged by their hair, and denied contact with lawyers or embassy officials. Some were forced to sign papers under duress and were handcuffed with iron shackles.

One activist described being held in a container alongside other detainees shortly after the flotilla raid, hearing physical assaults outside. Another recounted being beaten by soldiers wearing gloves with hardened plastic, resulting in a black eye. Activists also reported being strip-searched and having personal belongings discarded.

During Ben-Gvir's tour of the prison ship, an activist from Greece described being asked if he was a friend of Hamas while surrounded by armed guards aiming their weapons at him. The activist stated that the mission had no political agenda and was purely humanitarian.