France has paused its evacuation program for Palestinians fleeing Gaza following allegations of antisemitic remarks made by a Palestinian student in the country. The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, will remain in effect until an investigation is concluded.
The student, a 25-year-old woman on a scholarship in Lille, had her university enrollment revoked after accusations surfaced regarding inflammatory online statements. She had arrived in France in July under a government-backed initiative that has facilitated the evacuation of over 500 individuals since the Israel-Hamas conflict began last October.
Authorities acknowledged that security screenings—conducted by both French and Israeli officials—failed to flag the contentious remarks before her arrival. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that legal action had been initiated, emphasizing that “those spreading Hamas propaganda have no place here.”
The university, Sciences Po Lille, confirmed the student’s deregistration, citing her posts as incompatible with the institution’s values. Meanwhile, Barrot indicated that Palestinians already admitted under the program would undergo additional vetting to prevent similar oversights.
The suspension underscores heightened scrutiny in France over antisemitism, particularly amid ongoing tensions linked to the Gaza conflict. No further evacuations will proceed until the inquiry is resolved.
