115 Evacuees from Gaza Arrive at Paris-Orly Airport

115 individuals, including French nationals and Palestinian students, were evacuated from Gaza and arrived in Paris on April 25, 2025.

On April 25, 2025, 115 evacuees from the war-torn Gaza Strip landed at Paris-Orly Airport, marking another wave of humanitarian evacuations amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The group, which included French nationals, their families, and Palestinian students and artists, was welcomed to France as part of the country’s efforts to support those affected by the violence, according to Le Figaro.

Who Are the Evacuees?

A diplomatic source from the French Foreign Ministry, cited by Le Figaro, described the evacuees as “French nationals and their dependents, staff from the French Institute in Gaza and their families, and Palestinian figures closely tied to France.” Among them were students who had received French government scholarships 15 to 18 months ago but were unable to travel to France due to the conflict.

Annick Suzor-Weiner, a professor emeritus at Paris-Saclay University and vice-president of the Migrants in Higher Education network, told Le Figaro that the group also included “researchers and artists welcomed under the PAUSE program, which supports exiled academics and scientists.” Most arrived with their families, seeking safety and opportunities to continue their work or studies in France.

France’s Evacuation Efforts Since October 7, 2023

This evacuation follows the arrival of 59 evacuees from Gaza the previous week. Since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, France has facilitated the evacuation of approximately 500 individuals from the region. The latest group arrived after a two-month truce collapsed, prompting the Israeli military (Tsahal) to resume its offensive against Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group controlling Gaza.

The conflict, reignited by the 2023 attacks, has caused widespread devastation in Gaza, displacing thousands and prompting international efforts to evacuate vulnerable populations. France’s evacuations reflect its commitment to protecting its nationals and supporting Palestinian academics and cultural figures with ties to the country.

Context of the Gaza Conflict

The evacuation comes amid heightened violence in Gaza, where Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by many countries, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Israel. The Israeli offensive, aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure, has intensified following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn global attention, with countries like France stepping in to provide safe passage for those caught in the crossfire.

Why This Matters

France’s evacuation efforts highlight the intersection of humanitarian aid and diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile regions. By prioritizing students, researchers, and cultural figures, France is not only ensuring their safety but also fostering academic and cultural ties with the Palestinian community. However, the ongoing conflict underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace in Gaza, as military operations continue to displace civilians.

Key Takeaways

• 115 evacuees from Gaza arrived at Paris-Orly Airport on April 25, 2025.
• The group included French nationals, Gaza French Institute staff, and Palestinian students and artists.
• France has evacuated 500 people from Gaza since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
• The evacuations follow renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza after a collapsed truce.

Stay informed: Follow updates on the Gaza conflict and international humanitarian efforts.

Sources: Le Figaro.