French authorities have arrested six individuals accused of unfurling a Palestinian flag from the Eiffel Tower without official permission, according to police sources.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when climate activist group Extinction Rebellion France claimed responsibility for hanging the large Palestinian flag from the monument’s first floor.
The group described the action as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Palestinians, accusing Israel of carrying out attacks in Gaza and alleging environmental destruction in Palestinian territories, including the uprooting of olive trees.
Activists said the demonstration was intentionally staged to coincide with Nakba Day, the annual commemoration marking the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948.
The Eiffel Tower has previously been used for symbolic political displays linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In September, projections of the Israeli and Palestinian flags, alongside peace symbols such as doves and olive branches, were displayed on the landmark ahead of France’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
Earlier, in October 2023, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with the Israeli flag following the Hamas attacks on Israel that triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to official Israeli figures compiled by AFP, the October 2023 Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians.
Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities say more than 72,700 people, largely civilians, have been killed during Israeli military operations launched in response to the attack.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, violence has continued in Gaza, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the truce.
