French Left Demands Diplomatic Protection for Gaza-Bound Flotilla Following reported Attack
PARIS – Following reports of a recent attack, French political figures on the left are urgently calling on President Emmanuel Macron to extend diplomatic protection to an international flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The calls come as the Israeli army continues “operations” within the Gaza Strip.
Fabien Gay, director of the Communist daily humanity, sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting “urgently” that France place French national and consular protection over the vessels, noting that journalist Emilien Urbach, a member of the Humanity team, is onboard.
Union leader Sophie Binet, representing the CGT, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The fleet en route for Gaza has been attacked. Forty-four French are part of the Humanitarian Expedition for Peace, including Cédric Caubère, representative of the CGT… Emmanuel Macron we must act now.”
The flotilla includes pro-Palestinian activists and several elected officials from the “rebellious” political movement, including Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan.
Jean-luc Mélenchon, leader of the “rebellious” movement, criticized the silence from the Elysée Palace, noting that Italy and Spain have announced they are prepared to send ships to assist the flotilla if necessary. He stated, ”The honor of the French people is represented by their rebellious parliamentarians and by French humanitarian activists present on the flotilla and those who support them on the ground.”
