France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering French territory, in a move linked to growing international criticism over the treatment of activists involved in a Gaza-bound flotilla mission, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision, saying the measure reflected rising global anger over the handling of members of the flotilla attempting to reach Gaza Strip.
Writing on social media platform X, Barrot said that, effective immediately, Ben-Gvir would be barred from entering France.
The French foreign minister also said he was working with his Italian counterpart to push for European Union sanctions against the Israeli minister.
According to international media reports, Western governments reacted strongly after Ben-Gvir released a video mocking activists from the Gaza flotilla. Some activists later alleged they were subjected to physical abuse while in detention following interception of the mission.
The incident has intensified international scrutiny over Israel’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian missions linked to Gaza.