Israeli firms barred from Paris Defense Fair over Gaza attack

Israeli firms have been barred from participating in the international defense and security fair, also known as Eurosatory, set to be held in Paris on June 17-21.

According to national media reports, the decision comes in response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, which have so far killed more than 36,000 Palestinians in the territory.

Eurosatory, a premier defense sector event, attracts thousands of investors and firms every two years from hundreds of countries worldwide.

The fair’s main organizer, Coges Events, confirmed the exclusion, stating: “By decision of government officials, there will be no Israeli defense industry stands in the 2024 Eurosatory Exhibition Hall.”

Thomas Portes, a member of the left-wing France Unbowed party, welcomed the decision on his X account, noting that action taken against Israel over its Gaza onslaught had borne fruit.

He urged the government to maintain pressure and impose an arms embargo on Israel.

The decision followed a demonstration by pro-Palestinian supporters on May 22 in front of the French Defense Ministry, demanding Israel’s exclusion from the fair and a halt to arms sales to the country.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion, despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 36,240 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and over 81,777 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Nearly eight months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in its latest ruling has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.