France suspends evacuations of Gazans pending antisemitism investigation

Friday 01 August 2025 - 09:00

France has temporarily suspended the evacuation of Gazan nationals to its territory following an internal investigation into how an individual accused of antisemitic remarks was allowed to enter the country. The announcement was made on Friday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

“No such operation, no evacuation of any kind, will take place until we have drawn all conclusions from this investigation,” Barrot said during an interview with Franceinfo.

The case involves a Gazan student who was welcomed into France through humanitarian channels but is now under scrutiny for allegedly making antisemitic statements. The incident has sparked political controversy and raised questions over the vetting procedures for evacuees from conflict zones.

While the French government remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance, Barrot emphasized the importance of ensuring that the values of the Republic are upheld. He reassured the public that appropriate measures will be taken to avoid similar lapses in the future.

The Foreign Ministry is currently reviewing the procedures involved in the selection and admission of evacuees from Gaza. The investigation will focus on administrative checks, intelligence vetting, and cooperation with international partners.

France had previously facilitated limited evacuations of civilians from Gaza, especially students and medical patients, amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The latest suspension does not affect broader humanitarian aid efforts, but it temporarily halts the transfer of individuals to French territory.