France Suspends Program for Palestinians from Gaza
France announced on Friday that it would halt a program designed to intake Palestinians fleeing the conflict in Gaza. This decision follows an incident involving a female student who was forced to leave France after her accreditation at Science PO University in Lille was revoked due to a social media post.
“No evacuation will occur until we complete our investigation,” stated Jean Noel Barlot during an interview with France Island Radio. He also mentioned that Gazans who are already in France will undergo a second round of screening.
The Foreign Ministry noted it could not disclose how many individuals would be impacted by these policy changes due to confidentiality concerns.
Since the outbreak of the current war involving Hamas and Israel, France has facilitated the departure of over 500 individuals from Gaza. This includes wounded children, journalists, students, and artists.
The conflict, escalated by Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, has prompted Israel to respond with a harsh military campaign and a blockade on aid to Gaza. Some human rights organizations have characterized the events as “genocide.”
Arthur Delaporte, a spokesperson for the opposition Socialist Party, argued that France shouldn’t abandon its commitment to welcome Gazans after their evacuation, claiming, “Our shared humanity is at stake.”
A prosecutor in Lille stated on Thursday that a judicial inquiry has been initiated against some students for allegedly justifying crimes against humanity while trying to rationalize terrorism.
Barlot confirmed that the student must leave, though discussions are ongoing regarding her next destination.
The 25-year-old had been set to enroll at Science PO this fall through a government scholarship aimed at Gaza students.
According to French diplomatic sources, these students arrived in France on July 11, benefiting from a scholarship based on their academic achievements and security assessments.
However, following the resurfacing of a pro-Israel account on X, which contained a post she shared in September featuring images of Adolf Hitler and statements that could be interpreted as inciting violence against Jews, she was compelled to exit the country.
Subsequently, accounts belonging to students were made private after a request from French Home Minister Bruno Leciro.
Though AFP could not independently verify the social media posts linked to the student, Science PO affirmed that she had shared content contradicting the university’s values, although specifics were not provided.
“The security checks from relevant state authorities and Israeli officials did not uncover these unacceptable remarks,” Barlot stated.
A spokesperson for the far-right National Rally criticized the government’s vetting process, arguing it only took “two minutes to review.” Julian Audour, representing Europe1 Radio, remarked, “Despite that, France allowed her to come here.”
AFP was unable to contact the student for a response, and her identity remains undisclosed in the current phase of the investigation.
In a July interview, the 25-year-old expressed her eagerness to study in France before the controversy emerged. “Finally, I’m in a safe space,” she had said.
