Israel bars French presidential candidate Mélenchon over Gaza remarks

Left-wing 'France Unbowed' party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has sparked widespread controversy over his readiness to deploy French armed forces, if elected president, to stop the Israeli war on Gaza and confront Israeli occupation and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Le Bourget, near Paris, Mélenchon said, according to international media, that he would do whatever it takes to end what he called the "genocide" in Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, as well as to oppose the annexation of parts of southern Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The French leftist leader did not rule out the use of military force to achieve these goals, suggesting that French warships could escort civilian solidarity flotillas heading to Gaza and provide them with protection against any Israeli interference, ensuring their ability to reach the enclave and break the blockade.

Mélenchon's remarks came before around 20,000 supporters at a rally outlining his political program, just months ahead of the 2027 French presidential election in which he aims to succeed Emmanuel Macron.

Israel bans entry of Jean-Luc Mélenchon

In response to Mélenchon's statements, Israel announced yesterday that it would bar the French presidential hopeful from entering the country after he pledged, if elected, to have French ships accompany activists seeking to deliver aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said, "Israel will respond firmly to those who seek to harm it and will not allow individuals who act against Israel and incite against its citizens to enter the country." The ministry also said it would deny entry to Mathilde Panot, head of the parliamentary group of Mélenchon's France Unbowed party.