Protests have erupted across French cities demanding the release of the activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid ship currently detained by Israeli authorities.
Crowds gathered outside the Place de la Republique in Paris, while rallies were also held in Lyon, Nice and Lille.
In Paris, police clashed with protesters, with video footage showing demonstrators being dragged off the streets.
The French government has drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties and humanitarian organisations over what they describe as a muted response to the Israeli seizure of the Madleen.
The French Foreign Ministry has stated that it is following the situation closely and remains in contact with Israeli authorities.
Jean Luy Melenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, lauded the detained activists. “We salute the activists who, without hesitation, boarded a small boat, armed only with their convictions and courage,” he said.
“France, constrained by its inability to speak out forcefully and publicly, must now do the only thing it can, to recognize the State of Palestine,” he added.
Police clashed with protesters in Paris over Israel’s seizure of the Gaza aid boat, Madleen. People at mass rallies in Nice, Lille, and Greece’s capital, Athens, also demanded the release of the activists. pic.twitter.com/EtjSLEjgKF
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 10, 2025