France Halts Gaza Evacuations Following Antisemitism Allegations Against Student

In a decision to investigate allegations of antisemitism involving a Palestinian student, France has suspended its program aimed at assisting Palestinians fleeing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This pause comes after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that the investigation is crucial while the student’s actions are scrutinized.

The 25-year-old woman was studying on a scholarship in Lille and was set to commence her classes at Sciences Po Lille this autumn. However, her university has revoked her accreditation after she allegedly made antisemitic comments online. In the wake of these remarks, the university confirmed that her statements violated the institution’s core values. The woman, who had arrived in France in July, faces deportation as a result of the university's decision.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed his disapproval on social media, condemning the woman’s remarks and calling for her online account to be deactivated. He emphasized that those espousing extremist views, such as advocates for Hamas, should not be allowed to reside in France. Retailleau also indicated that existing Palestinian evacuees from Gaza will undergo new security checks in light of the incident.

France has been facilitating the safe departure of evacuees from Gaza since the escalation of conflict following the attacks on October 7, 2023. To date, over 500 individuals have been evacuated under this program. However, the recent incident raises concerns regarding how such individuals are vetted for entry into France and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.