In light of recent events, France has suspended its efforts to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza amid rising concerns about antisemitism linked to a student's online remarks. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared the immediate halt of the program until a thorough investigation is concluded. The student, a 25-year-old woman, was previously enrolled on a scholarship at Sciences Po Lille but faced serious backlash after her university withdrew its accreditation due to her comments.
Having arrived in France in July, she was slated to begin her studies this autumn, but the university's decision to deregister her followed her involvement in alleged antisemitic postings on social media. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to X, demanding the closure of the student's online account, emphasizing that “Hamas propagandists have no place in our country.”
Barrot commented on the failed security checks carried out by both the French state and Israeli authorities that failed to reveal the “unacceptable” sentiments expressed by the student. Moving forward, Palestinians already in France through this program will be subjected to renewed security vetting, following the controversy surrounding this case. The director of Sciences Po Lille confirmed that the student's comments were inconsistent with the university's core values, reinforcing the institution's stance against hate speech.
This decision comes as France has successfully assisted over 500 individuals in leaving Gaza since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas initiated by attacks on October 7, 2023.
Having arrived in France in July, she was slated to begin her studies this autumn, but the university's decision to deregister her followed her involvement in alleged antisemitic postings on social media. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau took to X, demanding the closure of the student's online account, emphasizing that “Hamas propagandists have no place in our country.”
Barrot commented on the failed security checks carried out by both the French state and Israeli authorities that failed to reveal the “unacceptable” sentiments expressed by the student. Moving forward, Palestinians already in France through this program will be subjected to renewed security vetting, following the controversy surrounding this case. The director of Sciences Po Lille confirmed that the student's comments were inconsistent with the university's core values, reinforcing the institution's stance against hate speech.
This decision comes as France has successfully assisted over 500 individuals in leaving Gaza since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas initiated by attacks on October 7, 2023.
