French unions and pro-Palestinian organisations have prevented a shipment of military-related components destined for Israeli arms maker Elbit Systems Land from leaving France aboard an Air France flight. According to Days of Palestine, the cargo was due to fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Tel Aviv on flight AF966 on Thursday, October 8.
Airport Workers Push Back
The mobilisation involved branches of the CGT, SUD Aérien and Solidaires, alongside Urgence Palestine and the Palestinian Youth Movement. According to the unions’ joint statement, the shipment consisted of planetary gear reducers reportedly intended for systems fitted to Elbit military vehicles. The unions credited freight-handling and loading staff and called on Air France to publicly commit not to carry equipment for Israeli military use.
Air France rejected the reports, saying it had no booking for the cargo and does not transport weapons or ammunition to Israel. The unions disputed this, insisting they held documentation supporting their account.
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French Unions Demand Full Arms Embargo
The unions warned that Saint-Étienne manufacturer Mijno Precision Gearing and freight firm DSV had rebooked the cargo on El Al flight LY220, scheduled for Saturday, October 10. They urged French customs, airport management and the government to intervene, stressing that France’s legal obligations on military exports apply regardless of the airline, and renewed calls for a full arms embargo on Israel.
Sources: Days of Palestine
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