France Bans Israeli Minister Ben Gvir as Flotilla Moves to Land

International outrage continues to mount following Israel's forceful boarding of the Global Sumud Flotilla. France has taken a firm stance, banning Israeli Foreign Minister Ben Gvir from its territory, shifting focus from the sea to land-based operations.

A "Land Convoy" component of the mission has been stalled for a week at the gates of Sirte, Libya. Flotilla Italia reported on social media that their delegations were denied access by authorities in Eastern Libya, closing off dialogue with the Red Crescent. They were reportedly asked to leave aid without guarantees and return, a demand the activists strongly oppose.

Activists who returned to Bologna from Turkey after the raid are still denouncing abuses suffered in an Ashdod detention center, claiming these occurred "in front of Minister Ben-Gvir." The Israeli minister's alleged behavior, seen mocking kneeling prisoners, prompted Paris's strong reaction.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed calls for EU sanctions against the Israeli minister, stating, "We try to send signals to Israel so it realizes there is a limit beyond which one cannot go. We are friends of Israel, we have never denied it, but being friends also means being sincere."

Meanwhile, Italian activists continue to return to Italy, with six arriving at Fiumicino and five in Bologna. Italy also reaffirmed its commitment to building an Italian university in Gaza, with plans for the minister of University and Research to visit the site to identify intervention areas.