French Air Traffic Controller Suspended for Saying “Free Palestine” to Israeli Pilots
French authorities have suspended an air traffic controller after he allegedly said “Free Palestine” while communicating with Israeli pilots during a routine flight.
According to media reports, the incident occurred when an El Al Airlines plane took off from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airline spokesperson described the remark as “very serious,” calling it unprofessional and inappropriate behavior in the context of aviation safety.
The airline further emphasized that El Al will continue to operate worldwide under the Israeli flag and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Meanwhile, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot quickly responded, confirming that an official investigation has been launched. He stressed that if proven true, such behavior would be a violation of radio communication regulations, which must remain restricted to safety and discipline matters.
Authorities later verified that the recordings matched El Al’s claim, and the controller in question was suspended until further notice.
This suspension comes at a time of heightened global tensions, as international outrage continues over Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in:
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61,000+ Palestinians killed
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151,000+ injured, many of them women and children
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Millions displaced from their homes
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Entire families wiped out amid widespread destruction
At the same time, acts of protest are emerging in unexpected spaces — from airport control towers to fashion runways, such as when a model recently raised a Palestinian flag on the catwalk to denounce Israeli aggression.
The incident highlights how the Gaza crisis is resonating far beyond the region, sparking expressions of solidarity worldwide — even in the most unlikely places.
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