Evacuated Palestinians Speak Out on French Relocation: "Can't Fathom Our Ordeal"
In the annex building at Orly Airport, the air buzzes with excitement. This is the scene of the largest operation since October 2023 to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza to France. A mixture of representatives from higher education and research institutions, and families eagerly awaiting their loved ones, fill the space.
This isn't the first time France has taken action. An operation launched by the Foreign Ministry at the onset of the war has been primarily focused on French nationals and their dependents in Gaza. But this time, it's different; it's mainly Palestinians arriving: 115 individuals, joined by another 60 who were welcomed on April 18th. Most are laureates of the national urgent welcome program for scientists and artists in exile (PAUSE) from the Collège de France, accompanied by their families, as well as scholarship students and beneficiaries of family reunification.
Among those awaiting the arrival is Samah Al-Qrenawy, who carries a touch of apprehension. She's eagerly awaiting the reunion with her husband and four of their children, whom she hasn't seen for a year and four months. Her family has traveled from Lyon, where she resides with her eldest son, who was severely injured during an Israeli attack. Both had been evacuated to Egypt in December 2023, and then to France a month later, to receive the necessary medical treatment.
Key Details:- Operation: Launched by the French Foreign Ministry at the start of the war, focused on French nationals and their dependents in Gaza.- Evacuees: 175 people across two phases, with 115 arriving on April 25, 2025 and another 60 on April 18.- Participants: PAUSE program laureates, students, vulnerable cases, and individuals with French ties.- Objectives: Humanitarian focus, political stance, and long-term efforts to protect French-linked individuals and Palestinian figures.
Sources:1. Haaretz2. France 243. The Jerusalem Post4. Al Jazeera5. Collège de France
- The air at Orly Airport is filled with a palpable sense of nervousness as hundreds gather for the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza.
- This operation, one of the largest since October 2023, is not only humanitarian but also has political implications for France.
- The French Foreign Ministry, back in the early stages of the conflict, initiated an operation to evacuate French nationals and their dependents from Gaza.
- Now, on the 25th, a new phase commenced, welcoming 115 Palestinians into France.
- These new arrivals are joined by another 60 who had been welcomed on April 18th, part of a two-phase operation.
- The participants in this operation are diverse: PAUSE program laureates, students, vulnerable cases, and individuals with French ties.
- Among the eagerly awaiting visitors is Samah Al-Qrenawy, a French resident anticipating the reunion with her separated family.
- Family health and mental health are at the forefront of her concerns as she hasn't seen her husband and four children for a year and four months.
- Her family, including her severely injured eldest son, had been evacuated to Egypt and then to France for medical treatment.
- This operation is part of a larger effort to protect not only French-linked individuals but also Palestinian figures.
- In the realm of education and self-development, these evacuees bring their expertise in science, health and wellness, fitness, and mental health.
- The mission also has implications for career development and politics, as France continues to navigate the complexities of war and conflicts.
- In addition, this operation highlights the importance of online education, as many of the evacuees transition into the French educational system.
- The subjects of war, crime, general news, and learning are all intertwined, reminding us of the importance of lifelong learning and skills training.
