France bans right-wing Israeli minister Ben-Gvir for harassing activists | Human Rights Issues

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that France will not allow its citizens to be threatened or intimidated.

France has banned Israel’s right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from his region after his mocking of the flotilla of freedom fighters that was hijacked earlier in the week sparked international condemnation.

“As of today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X Saturday.

“This proposal follows the actions of French and European citizens who boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla.”

Ben-Gvir had written movie on social media shows himself cheering as the freedom fighters of the flotilla kneeling on the ground, blindfolded, with their hands tied, at the Port of Ashdod.

The Israeli navy seized a flotilla of ships in foreign waters off the coast of Cyprus, illegally abducting about 430 people this week. Hundreds were reportedly released on Thursday.

Images of the activists being dragged to the ground caused it several countries – including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain – summoning the ambassadors of Israel, protesting the “unacceptable” treatment and violation of human dignity.

“We cannot tolerate the French people being threatened, intimidated, or abused in this way, especially by the authorities. I see that this has been opposed by a large number of Israeli authorities and politicians,” said Barrot.

“He follows many disturbing words and actions, and incites hatred and violence against the Palestinian people. As my Italian friend, I ask the European Union to reimpose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir.”

Allegations of sexual abuse, rape

Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement to the Telegraph on Friday that the activists had reported at least. 15 cases of rape when he was in prison in Israel.

The abuse included “humiliating searches, teasing, groping and genital pulling, as well as numerous incidents of rape,” the group said, mostly on a train converted into a mini-prison.

“At least 12 crimes have been recorded on the ship alone, including rape and forced entry at gunpoint,” it added.

“We are deeply concerned by these reports,” United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said when asked about the allegations at a regular meeting on Friday.

Israeli prison officials denied the allegations of abuse, and Al Jazeera was unable to confirm any claims.

“The allegations are false and have no evidence,” a prison spokesman in Israel said in a statement.

Sabrina Charik, who helped organize the return of 37 French nationals from the flotilla, told Reuters news agency that five French nationals had been hospitalized in Turkey, some with broken ribs or broken vertebrae. Others reported sexual abuse, including rape, he said.

Harassment claims from activists brought to Israel after the Gaza-bound boat attack have become commonplace. Organizers say they fear sanctions and false claims about Hamas are being used to justify further violations.