French foreign minister denounces antisemitism while commemorating Israel's Oct. 7 tragedy
Jean-Noël Barrot visited Israel on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, condemning antisemitism and pledging support for peace.
On the third anniversary of Hamas’s Oct. 7 assault, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot attended commemorations at the Nova music festival site in southern Israel, labeling antisemitism a toxic threat that France rejects. He said the attack inflicted deep trauma on the Israeli people and Jews everywhere, and warned against downplaying its impact. Barrot reiterated France’s resolve to pursue a just and enduring peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
His itinerary included visits to Tel Aviv and the nearby kibbutzim of Beeri and Nir Oz, areas close to the Gaza Strip. In a social-media post, he noted that 51 French nationals were among those killed on that day, honoring their memory with a list of names. The remarks come as France grapples with rising antisemitic incidents and political controversy surrounding far-right figure Jordan Bardella.
Why it matters
The statement highlights France's stance against antisemitism and its diplomatic engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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