A French decision halts Palestinian evacuations from Gaza after antisemitism controversy involving scholarship student.
France suspends Gaza evacuations amid antisemitism probe involving student France has halted its humanitarian evacuation programme for Palestinians fleeing Gaza following controversy over a Palestinian scholarship student accused of making antisemitic comments online.
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, confirmed that the suspension would remain in effect while investigations continue into the conduct of a 25-year-old woman, originally from Gaza, who was studying in Lille under the state-sponsored programme. Her remarks—considered by French officials to be antisemitic have prompted a reassessment of the vetting procedures used for incoming evacuees.
The student, who arrived in France in July 2024, was preparing to begin studies at Sciences Po Lille university this autumn. However, her accreditation was revoked following the revelations. She will now be expelled from the country.
University withdraws support after verification of posts
Sciences Po Lille confirmed to AFP that the student’s online posts were “in direct contradiction with the values upheld” by the institution. The university promptly deregistered her and notified authorities. She was part of a cohort evacuated from Gaza as part of a special programme by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, designed to assist civilians escaping the Israel–Hamas war that reignited on October 7, 2023.
French Interior Ministry takes swift action
A French decision halts Palestinian evacuations from Gaza.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reacted on social media, stating that he had requested the student’s social media account be taken down and that legal action follow. “Hamas propagandists have no place in our country,” he posted.
The backlash has ignited debate over how security screenings are conducted. According to Barrot, both French intelligence and Israeli authorities had reviewed the student’s background before her arrival, but the process failed to flag her online behavior, which is now under scrutiny. “This failure in the vetting process is unacceptable and concerning,” he added.
Programme under review; past evacuees to face new screening
More than 500 Palestinians have been evacuated from Gaza to France since the conflict reignited last year. However, Barrot stated that all individuals previously received under the programme will now be “subject to a new check” to prevent similar oversights.
This tightening of security checks may complicate ongoing humanitarian efforts, as France’s programme has been a rare pathway for civilians trapped in Gaza. Critics argue that halting the entire programme due to one case may unfairly penalize innocent civilians, but officials maintain that national security and public safety take precedence.
No timeline yet on possible resumption
It remains unclear when or if the programme will resume. The government has not released a specific timeline, but French diplomatic sources suggest the review process could take weeks.
While France continues to condemn antisemitism publicly and uphold its humanitarian obligations, this case underscores the delicate balance between national security concerns and international solidarity efforts.
