Israel deports 37 French nationals on Gaza flotilla to Turkey, France says

Amir Cohen

May 21, 2026

Israeli soldiers are seen on a vessel bearing symbols of the Global Sumud Flotilla, as it is brought into the port in Ashdod, southern Israel, May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen — Amir Cohen

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.

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.

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 by John Irish; Editing by Hugh Lawson)