French authorities have arrested six individuals suspected of flying a Palestinian flag from the Eiffel Tower without authorization, a police source confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a large Palestinian flag was draped from the tower's first floor.
Extinction Rebellion Claims Responsibility
Climate activist group Extinction Rebellion France claimed responsibility for the act. A representative stated that the action was intended as a "message of support" for Palestinians, accusing Israel of committing "massacres" in Gaza and "ecocide crimes," including the uprooting of olive trees on Palestinian land.
Timing with Nakba Day
The protest was timed to coincide with Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians in 1948 during the creation of Israel. In September, both Israeli and Palestinian flags, along with peace symbols such as a dove and olive branch, were projected onto the Eiffel Tower ahead of France's recognition of a Palestinian state.
Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 72,700 deaths, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Despite a ceasefire in October, daily violence persists as Israeli strikes continue, with both the military and Hamas accusing each other of violating the truce.
The arrests highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the use of public landmarks for political statements.
