Watan-French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday that the four pro-Palestinian French activists detained in Israel—including Rima Hassan, a Palestinian-French Member of the European Parliament—will be deported on Thursday and Friday.
Barrot posted on X:“Thanks to the mission personnel for their action, which led to this swift result.”
Les 4 ressortissants français encore retenus en Israël seront expulsés vers la France demain et après-demain. Merci à nos agents pour leur mobilisation admirable qui a permis cette issue rapide, en dépit du harcèlement et de la diffamation dont ils ont été l’objet.
— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) June 11, 2025
The “Madeleine” Humanitarian Ship
The detained activists were part of the humanitarian mission aboard the ship Madeleine, which set sail with the goal of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering emergency aid. The ship was organized by European and Arab civil society groups and included activists, doctors, and lawmakers.
As the Madeleine approached Gaza’s territorial waters, it was intercepted by the Israeli navy, and all aboard were detained and transported to Ashdod port, triggering international outcry. Among the passengers was Rima Hassan, a widely respected human rights advocate and legal scholar, known for her fierce advocacy for Palestinian rights and her newly elected role in the European Parliament representing France’s Green Party.
The Israeli military labeled the ship a security threat, despite its declared humanitarian mission and nonviolent nature. Multiple governments, including France and Spain, demanded the immediate release of their nationals.
Ship “Madeliene”
Activists aboard the Madeleine stated that they were peacefully attempting to deliver food, medicine, and symbolic political pressure to end the siege on Gaza. The ship was not armed, and participants had signed international legal declarations asserting their peaceful intent.
The detention of a sitting MEP drew criticism from across the European political spectrum. Several EU lawmakers have accused Israel of violating international law and diplomatic norms, particularly with regard to freedom of movement, humanitarian missions, and the treatment of elected officials.