Ankara: France has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory due to what French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described as 'unacceptable actions' against activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla. This announcement has stirred diplomatic discussions and drawn attention to the treatment of activists involved in the flotilla movement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot stated that the decision was influenced by incidents involving citizens from France and other European nations who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. He emphasized that France will not tolerate any threats, intimidation, or violence against its nationals, especially by a serving government minister. Barrot highlighted that a significant number of Israeli government and political figures have condemned these actions, which he described as part of a pattern of incitement to hatred and violence against Palestinians.

Barrot used the US social media platform X to express his concerns, calling for the European Union to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir. This move follows the circulation of footage showing Ben-Gvir, a key coalition partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, walking among detained activists. These activists were seen kneeling with their hands tied, while Ben-Gvir appeared to taunt them, waving an Israeli flag.

The incident has also prompted reactions from other European leaders. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has urged EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir in the next EU foreign ministers' meeting. In a similar vein, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has reached out to European Council President Antonio Costa, advocating for a discussion on Israel's treatment of EU citizens aboard the flotilla at the upcoming EU summit.

The flotilla, which embarked on its journey from Marmaris, Trkiye, carried 428 individuals from 44 countries, aiming to challenge the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007.