France calls decision to ban French delegations from entering Israel 'unacceptable'
France's Foreign Ministry accused Israel's Embassy of "unacceptable" behaviour on Tuesday (April 29, 2025) after it banned two French groups, including elected officials, from visiting Israel and alleged the groups were linked to a terrorist organisation.
In a statement on Monday, Israel's Embassy said it would not allow any individual or delegation associated with the Decentralised Cooperation Network for Palestine or the France-Palestine Solidarity Association (AFPS) to enter the country because they were linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The PFLP is designated a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union.
The delegations and associations affected could not immediately be reached for comment.
France's Foreign Ministry said the decision by Israel to revoke the travel authorisations for the two delegations, which included elected French officials, was regrettable, counterproductive, and damaging to Franco-Israeli relations.
"The public accusations by the Israeli Embassy in France alleging links between these associations and terrorist organisations are unacceptable," the Foreign Ministry said.
It called on Israel to reverse its decision.
Franco-Israeli ties have been complicated in recent months over the war in Gaza and growing unease in Paris over Israel's handling of the conflict.
Earlier in April, President Emmanuel Macron suggested Paris could recognise a Palestinian State later this year, depending on a number of conditions, drawing the ire of Israeli officials.
"Israel is acting within its right, under local and international law, to prevent the entry into its territory of delegations composed of organisations that seek to delegitimize its existence and undermine its security," the Embassy said.
"We encourage any member of the delegation wishing to travel to Israel to contact the Israeli Embassy to arrange a visit that will not be managed by an organisation supporting terrorism," it said. (Reporting by John Irish Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
33 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Israel vows to prevent an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists from reaching Gaza
Israel's Defense Minister has vowed to prevent an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists from reaching the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday (June 8, 2025) that Israel wouldn't allow anyone to break its naval blockade of the Palestinian territory, which he said was aimed at preventing Hamas from importing arms. Ms. Thunberg, a climate campaigner is among 12 activists aboard the Madleen, which is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel departed Sicily last Sunday on a mission that aims to break the sea blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, while raising awareness over the growing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The activists had said they planned to reach Gaza's territorial waters as early as Sunday. Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, is among the others onboard. She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. After a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless the blockade and the war end. An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the group's vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta. The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship.
India.com
33 minutes ago
- India.com
Turkey threatening India's friend, not Armenia, Modi govt may hit back at Erdogan by...
(File) Ankara: Bankrupt Pakistan is not refraining from spreading propaganda despite facing a humiliating loss to India. However, this terror state is getting the full support of its allies. Countries like China and Turkey are openly amplifying Pakistan's propaganda. Turkey, in particular, has now started threatening India's allies. Pakistan claims to have shot down Indian fighter jets. While India has acknowledged the loss of its aircraft, it has not disclosed how the jets were downed or how many were lost. Turkey is now threatening Greece—India's close ally. Turkish media is using Pakistan's statements to intimidate Greece. Greece, like India, has also purchased 24 Rafale fighter jets from France. Turkish conservative media platform TR Haber has launched new propaganda, claiming that Greece is uncertain about the capabilities of the French fighter jets it recently acquired. The main objective of TR Haber's report is to portray that if Pakistan can target Indian aircraft using China-made JF-17 jets and PL-15 missiles, then Greece's reliance on Rafale fighter jets could be dangerous for it. Tensions between Turkey and Greece have existed for decades, and it is evident from Turkish media reports that Turkey is trying to intimidate Greece. In essence, Turkey wants to use the India-Pakistan conflict to serve its own agenda. Meanwhile, Turkish media conveniently omits reports about how India destroyed Turkish drones as easily as slicing vegetables.
India.com
33 minutes ago
- India.com
Netanyahu is frustrated as Israel faces massive shortage of 10000 soldiers, reason is…
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu (File) Gaza-Israel conflict: In a significant development amid the Gaza-Israel conflict, a massive bad news has hit Benjamin Netanyahu led Israel. As per the recent update, Israel is facing a massive shortage of over 10,000 soldiers due to huge number of deaths of the soldiers in Gaza. For those unversed, Israel and Gaza have been engaged in a conflict for over an year. Here are all the details you need to know about the recent issue Israel is facing. Media reports have it that Israel is facing a shortage of over 10,000 soldiers, including 6,000 combat troops, prompting calls for urgent recruitment, including from ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. The statement came as the army spokesperson was asked a question about the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) youth. Also, readers should note that more that 429 Israeli soldiers have been reportedly killed since the start of the ground operation in Gaza. Israel says it killed Palestinian Mujahideen Brigades chief in Gaza The Israeli military said that its forces had killed at least two senior members of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement in strikes in Gaza City, including a commander accused of involvement in the deadly October 7 attack on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement that As'ad Abu Sharaiya, head of the Mujahideen Brigades — the armed wing of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement — was killed in a joint operation. They accused Abu Sharaiya of playing 'a key role' in the Hamas-led assault in 2023 and being 'directly involved in the abduction, detention, and killing of Israeli hostages.' US vetoes UN Security Council draft resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire In another significant development, the United States vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. The draft resolution, tabled by the 10 elected members of the Security Council on Wednesday, won the support of 14 out of the 15 members of the council. The United States, which holds veto power, voted against it. (With inputs from agencies)
