France has paused its Gaza evacuation program amid an investigation into a Palestinian student accused of antisemitic online posts, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed. The 25-year-old woman, who arrived in France in July 2024 under a government-backed evacuation scheme, was set to attend Sciences Po Lille this autumn but has since been deregistered after her remarks surfaced.
The decision halts France’s humanitarian efforts, which have relocated over 500 Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that all Palestinians already in France under the program will now face renewed security checks, citing “failures” in the vetting process that allowed the student to enter.
University and Government Condemn ‘Hamas Propaganda’ in Wake of Scandal
Sciences Po Lille confirmed the student’s posts violated the institution’s values, with its director telling AFP the comments were “in direct contradiction” with its principles. Retailleau, who called for legal action, declared on X (formerly Twitter): “Hamas propagandists have no place in our country.”
The case has exposed gaps in France’s security screenings, which involved both French authorities and Israeli intelligence. Officials admitted the student’s alleged antisemitic rhetoric went undetected during initial checks.
The suspension marks a setback for France’s Gaza humanitarian efforts, raising questions about the future of Palestinian evacuations to Europe. Retailleau emphasized that France remains committed to combating antisemitism but must ensure evacuees do not propagate extremist views.
With France’s evacuation program on hold, Palestinian families awaiting relocation face uncertainty amid heightened security reassessments.
