France expressed its concern over the deportation of 37 of its nationals, the activists for the Gaza flotilla, after a diplomatic incident. The deportations followed the blocking of the flotilla at sea and were accompanied by a video showing Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking those detained. Paris summoned a high-ranking Israeli official to complain about what it deemed unacceptable actions.
The minister’s video was particularly controversial and angered Paris for mocking the activists. The situation has intensified already tense discussions on access to Gaza where a humanitarian crisis has worsened, and human rights are at stake.
France is demanding an explanation for what its officials called the inappropriate treatment of its citizens. In Paris, Pascal Confavreux from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had been informed that all 37 French citizens detained on the aid vessel had returned from Israel.
Those citizens had joined an international campaign to alert about the desperate humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities’ interception at sea prompted its security forces to board the aid ship before it reached Gaza, arresting the members of the flotilla on board and removing them from the country. As reported later by Israel, all foreign activists were deported.
The French government reacts strongly to Ben-Gvir’s controversial clip, and the former announced he had already ordered the deportation of the activists.
In that clip displayed his face while showing a video of activists being taken away at Ben Gurion Airport and during the boarding of one vessel, as well as mocking their voices. The French ambassador said that Paris demands an explanation over the deportation of its nationals, and for public actions by Israeli officials that may compromise good diplomatic relations.
Talking about possible sanctions, France said it’s “too early to consider” them, although Italy had already taken a similar stand, demanding an official condemnation by Israel. Analysts agree that France is walking a fine line, defending its citizens while trying not to spoil its relations with Israel too much.
It has again come into the limelight after several humanitarian crises related to Gaza have occurred, and for the ongoing conflict that is affecting thousands of people.
