France has barred Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country following the release of footage showing him overseeing the humiliation of detained Gaza-bound flotilla activists, as deported participants accused Israeli authorities of torture, sexual abuse, and degrading treatment while in custody.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters last week, detaining more than 430 activists aboard the aid vessels. Several activists alleged they were subjected to physical assaults, sexual abuse, humiliation, and torture during their detention in Israel.
Italian journalist Mantovani said activists were transported “in handcuffs and with chains on our feet” before being flown to Athens. One activist “was forced to strip naked and run”.Another activist said that Israeli soldiers dragged her while her hands and feet were tightly bound, leaving her hands numb.“They laughed all the time. Super sadistic,” she said. “They took off my shirt, took pictures. Mistreated us all night long.”
French Foreign Minister said that France had banned Ben Gvir from entering the country due to his “unacceptable conduct towards French and European citizens,” adding that Ben Gvir’s behaviour followed “a long series of shocking statements and actions… against Palestinians”, and voiced support for Italy’s proposal that the EU impose sanctions on the Israeli minister.