28 French Nationals from Gaza Flotilla to Be Expelled by Israel to Greece

On October 5, 2025, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 28 French nationals aboard the international Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israel are to be expelled to Greece on Monday. These detainees were part of the flotilla named Global Sumud, which comprised around 45 ships and hundreds of activists aiming to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The detainees, held at Ktziot prison, were visited by French consular officials twice—first on Friday and again on Sunday. Spokesperson Pascal Confavreux confirmed that all 28 individuals are in good health and that close contact with their families is being maintained. Among the detainees, some hold multiple nationalities including American, Swedish, Tunisian, and Turkish. Although 30 French nationals were initially detained, 28 are now scheduled for expulsion.

The situation has raised concerns in France as four elected officials from the radical left party La France insoumise, believed to be on the flotilla, remain unaccounted for. The party has urged the French government to intervene. Despite this, the French diplomatic priority remains the swift and safe return of its citizens.

The humanitarian flotilla aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza by delivering aid directly. Israel's interception and detention of flotilla participants have escalated tensions around the ongoing Gaza crisis. The planned expulsion of these French nationals to Greece marks the latest development in this complex international affair.