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Israel deports 37 French nationals on Gaza flotilla to Turkey, France says - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Israel deports 37 French nationals on Gaza flotilla to Turkey, France says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 21, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 21, 2026

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Israel Deports 37 French Nationals from Gaza Flotilla to Turkey Amid Tension

Deportation of French Nationals and Diplomatic Reactions

Details of the Deportation

PARIS, May 21 (Reuters) - Israeli authorities are currently deporting 37 French nationals who were part of the group of activists on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Turkey, France's Foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

French Government's Response

Summoning of Israeli Diplomat

Speaking to reporters in a weekly news briefing, Pascal Confavreux said a senior Israeli diplomat had been summoned by the ministry earlier on Thursday to express Paris' anger in response to a video released by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir in which the minister is seen taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists.

Potential Sanctions Discussion

Confavreux added that it was too early for now to talk about imposing sanctions on Ben Gvir after an earlier call by Italy's foreign minister to do so.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Key Takeaways

  • France summoned Israel’s ambassador over a video showing National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir mocking detained flotilla activists, calling his actions unacceptable (itv.com)
  • Adalah and other sources report deported activists are being flown via Eilat as part of broader deportations; Israeli PM Netanyahu demanded rapid deportation while condemning Ben‑Gvir’s conduct (apnews.com)
  • Several European governments—including Italy and France—along with Canada and others, have condemned the treatment of activists and summoned Israeli envoys in response (presstv.ir)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Israel deport 37 French nationals?
The French nationals were part of a group of activists on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which Israel intercepted and subsequently deported the activists to Turkey.
How did the French government respond?
France summoned a senior Israeli diplomat to express anger, particularly regarding a video showing Israel's National Security Minister taunting the detained activists.
Where were the French nationals deported to?
The French nationals were deported from Israel to Turkey.
Are there any sanctions being imposed on Israeli officials?
France said it was too early to discuss sanctions against Israel's National Security Minister, despite calls from Italy's foreign minister.
What prompted the diplomatic tensions between France and Israel?
Tensions arose after Israel released a video of its minister taunting detained flotilla activists, which France found objectionable.

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