France Halts Gaza Evacuations Amid Antisemitism Investigation

The decision, announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, follows an investigation into the remarks made by a student who was to study in Lille.

France has put a halt to its efforts to facilitate the safe evacuation of Palestinians fleeing from Gaza in light of recent antisemitism allegations. The suspension will remain in effect as the authorities investigate a 25-year-old Palestinian woman accused of making antisemitic comments online. The woman, who was on a scholarship in Lille, is facing expulsion after her university, Sciences Po Lille, canceled her enrollment.

Since the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, France has successfully assisted more than 500 evacuees. The student arrived in France in July and was preparing to start her academic year this autumn before being deregistered due to her controversial social media posts, which the university stated contradicted its core values.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to social media platform X to express his discontent regarding the situation, indicating that he had requested the closure of the student’s online accounts and anticipated legal actions against her. He stressed that individuals advocating for Hamas are unwelcome in France.

Further oversight will be implemented for other Palestinians already benefiting from the evacuation program, as Barrot pointed out concerning failures in the screening process that allowed this student to enter the country. The university confirmed to the AFP the seriousness of the student's comments, indicating they directly opposed the values that Sciences Po Lille promotes.

This situation unfolds as France continues to navigate its diplomatic stance amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with President Macron previously indicating France's acknowledgment of Palestine as a state.