Israeli authorities have expelled French journalist Alice Froussard, who has frequently voiced criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza and its policies in the occupied West Bank. The decision comes amid widespread condemnation of Israel for cracking down on press freedom, restricting media outlets, and targeting journalists.
France’s foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday it is providing consular support to Alice Froussard, but acknowledged that Israel ultimately has the legal right to expel her. No official reason was given for the expulsion, though a senior Israeli minister later accused her of backing Hamas.
Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli wrote on social media that he was glad "Alice Froussard, a French journalist who supports Hamas, who argued that the October 7 massacre must be seen 'in context,' is on her way from Ben Gurion Airport back to Paris."
The barring of the journalist highlights Israel’s long-standing efforts to restrict international coverage of the siege on Gaza and its military campaign in Lebanon. Reporters from around the world have been prevented from reporting from the Palestinian territories, while many local journalists have been killed in the conflict that began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
The Foreign Press Association condemned the treatment of Froussard, noting that Israel had allowed her entry before her arrival. "This is not the first time the Israeli government has deemed coverage 'biased,'" the association said in a statement.
Israel has repeatedly faced criticism for restricting reporting on its military operations in Gaza. No foreign journalist has been allowed to enter the territory since Israel launched its offensive nearly three years ago. That ban has forced Palestinian journalists to carry much of the reporting on their own suffering. Israel has been accused of killing hundreds of journalists and media workers in Gaza in an effort to silence coverage.
