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The French government has confirmed that it is in contact with 36 of its nationals currently detained by Israel following the interception of the Global Sumud aid flotilla, the French Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.
In a weekly press briefing, Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux stated that France’s consular teams were “the first to establish contact” with the detained individuals and were likewise in touch with their families to ensure they receive consular protection.
Confavreux said that from the outset, France urged Israeli authorities to carry out the interception under “the best possible security conditions” to allow for appropriate protections for foreign nationals.
“As soon as the French nationals requested it, which they have the right to, we ensured that their release and return to France would be carried out as quickly as possible,” he affirmed, adding that both the French Embassy in Israel and the Consulate General in Tel Aviv have been “fully mobilised” and working through the night.
Addressing the recent footage of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronting detained flotilla activists in international waters and labelling them as “terrorists,” Confavreux declined to comment directly on the minister’s role.
He reiterated that France “has condemned such statements several times in the past.”
He also emphasised France’s demand that Israeli authorities abide by international maritime law, especially given the flotilla’s mission to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s long-standing blockade.
The Global Sumud flotilla, intercepted by Israeli naval forces on Thursday and Friday, comprised vessels bearing aid intended for Gaza.
More than 450 activists from over 50 countries were detained during the operation.
Since the commencement of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, Gaza has experienced intensive bombardment, with
Palestinian authorities and human rights organisations report that nearly 66,300 Palestinians have died—many of them civilians, including women and children.
France’s statement comes as other governments scramble to account for their citizens aboard the flotilla.
While some activists have since been released or deported, the detained French nationals remain under the oversight of French diplomatic channels.
