France Urges Swift Release of Six French Nationals Held After Israel Stops Gaza Ship
French President Macron urges expedited repratriation of French nationals
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In an unexpected turn of events, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate release of six French citizens currently held by Israeli authorities following the interception of a cargo ship bound for Gaza.
According to updates from the Élysée Palace, Israel should free these activists promptly.
The ship, laden with humanitarian aid, was halted by Israeli forces under cover of night. Notable passengers included climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.
The current situation isn't similar to the 2010 raid on the Turkish-flagged Mavi Marmara, where Israeli commandos clashed with activists, resulting in 10 civilian deaths. However, details regarding French citizens' involvement in the 2010 incident remain unclear.
During another interception in 2025—involving a separate Gaza-bound vessel, the Madleen—at least five French citizens were detained. Israel later deported several activists, including environmentalist and activist Greta Thunberg, but the French government's response was primarily focused on the welfare of its citizens. France observed the situation closely and was prepared to intervene if required.
President Macron's official stance on the Mavi Marmara or the Madleen incidents hasn't been publicly disclosed. However, French diplomats had confirmed that France kept a close watch on the Madleen, given the French citizens aboard, and were ready to offer aid if necessary. France's approach seems to emphasize consular assistance for its nationals over direct political intervention or harsh criticism of Israel's actions.
| Incident | Year | French Citizens Involved | French Government Response ||------------------|-------|-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|| Mavi Marmara | 2010 | Not confirmed | Not applicable || Madleen | 2025 | Yes (at least 5) | Monitored; ready to assist, but took no direct action|
While it's unclear whether the six French nationals detained this time are among the Madleen's passengers from 2025, France is emphasizing their swift release. French citizens—regardless of the vessel—have been subject to detention in the past, but France's response remains cautious, prioritizing diplomatic support for its citizens over direct confrontation with Israel. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to monitor developments closely.
The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the midst of the ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding the detention of six French nationals held after Israel stops a Gaza-bound ship. The news of the French nationals' detention is part of the general news, along with war-and-conflicts and politics, as tensions between France and Israel escalate over the incident.
