French Hard-Left Leader Condemned for Calling Israel's Gaza Actions 'Genocide'

Indignation from Across Political Spectrum

Outcry Shaking France's Jewish Community of 500,000

French hard-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has sparked outrage after describing Israel's military actions in Gaza as a "genocide." The statement has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, including key figures in President Emmanuel Macron's camp.

Mélenchon's comments, made at a rally on Sunday, have shaken France's Jewish community of 500,000. The president of the French National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, denounced Mélenchon's words as "unworthy of the Republic."

Mélenchon, a three-time presidential candidate, has refused to retract his statement or condemn Hamas's rocket attacks on Israel. His stance has isolated him from even within his own La France Insoumise party.

The latest escalation in tension between Israel and Hamas began in early October, with the extremist group firing rockets into southern Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza.