Mass Protests Erupt in France over Israeli Seizure of Gaza Aid Ship
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Tens of thousands rallied across France after Israeli forces forcibly seized the humanitarian ship Madleen, detaining international activists attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.
Israel intercepted the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel bound for Gaza, and docked it in Ashdod Port on Monday after arresting all 12 activists aboard.
The seizure triggered widespread outrage in France, with nearly 200 demonstrations erupting in cities including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, and Strasbourg.
Organizers reported over 150,000 participants nationwide, including 50,000 in Paris alone.
In the capital, demonstrators filled Place de la République, chanting in support of Palestine and calling for the release of those detained.
Despite police orders to disperse, protesters remained into the night. At 10 p.m., a left-wing MP announced the police’s evacuation order had been lifted.
Denis Godard, a revolutionary socialist, said, “It looks as if it is the biggest protest nationally since 7 October 2023.”
He added that illegal demonstrations were spreading, with police “on the back foot.”
In Toulouse, demonstrators reclaimed the city’s main square despite months of bans.
The Madleen carried humanitarian supplies for Gaza’s besieged population. Among the arrested were environmental activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.
LFI (France Unbowed), which led the mobilization, condemned Israeli genocidal war and the silence of French authorities.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, LFI’s figurehead, called the seizure “an act of international piracy” and accused the French government of complicity.
He called for mass mobilization on 13 June to support the Palestinian struggle.
Protesters in Nantes raised a Palestinian flag outside city hall. In Toulouse, one climbed the town hall to hoist the flag.
Chants of “Free Rima! Free our comrades!” and “Gaza Gaza, Toulouse is with you” echoed across cities.
In Nice, crowds chanted slogans condemning Israel's murder of Palestinian children. In Clermont-Ferrand, they demanded the flotilla's freedom.
MEP Manuel Bompard stated, “The arrest of the flotilla is illegal. The blockade of Gaza is illegal under international law.”
President Emmanuel Macron called for the “swiftest possible” return of the six French nationals but stopped short of condemning the seizure.
Later, Macron denounced the humanitarian blockade on Gaza, calling it “a scandal” and “unacceptable.”
France’s foreign minister confirmed that consular protection was requested immediately.
Legal group Adalah reported that the detainees would be held in a Ramle detention facility before deportation.
LFI and rights groups assert the interception violated international law and demanded immediate accountability.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 54,927 Palestinians and wounded 126,615, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
