SAFA – French trade unions and pro-Palestinian organizations say they have prevented a shipment of military-related components destined for Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems Land from leaving France aboard an Air France flight, intensifying demands for an end to French military exports to Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The shipment was scheduled to depart Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Thursday, October 8, aboard Air France flight AF966 bound for Tel Aviv. However, following coordinated pressure from airport workers, labor unions and Palestine solidarity activists, the cargo was not loaded onto the aircraft, according to a joint union statement.
The mobilization involved branches of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the Sud Aérien union and Solidaires, following warnings issued by Urgence Palestine and the Palestinian Youth Movement.
In a joint statement, the unions described the outcome as an initial victory for workers and campaigners seeking to prevent French companies from contributing to Israel's military operations.
They credited employees working in freight handling, aircraft loading and ground services with helping stop the shipment.
Air France Denies Reports as Activists Present Evidence
A representative of Urgence Palestine told The New Arab that the disputed cargo remained in France after the intervention.
“The shipment did not leave and is still in France,” the representative said, adding that the organization possessed evidence indicating that Air France had been preparing to transport the components despite its public denial.
The group said it had obtained shipping information, including an air waybill and details of a subsequent flight booking, which it intended to use in pressing French authorities to investigate the shipment.
Air France, however, denied that it had accepted the cargo for transportation.
In comments to French broadcaster franceinfo on Thursday, the airline said it had no reservation matching the shipment described by the unions and maintained that it does not transport weapons or ammunition to Israel.
The unions rejected that explanation, insisting that the shipment had been scheduled and that pressure from airport workers had prevented its departure.
The cargo's precise contents and booking history have not been independently confirmed.
Military Components Rebooked on Israeli Airline
Despite the reported success in stopping the Air France shipment, the unions warned that the components could still reach Israel through another airline.
According to the organizations, the shipment was subsequently arranged for transportation aboard an El Al flight scheduled to depart Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Saturday, October 10.
They identified the proposed flight as LY220 and called on French customs authorities, airport management and government officials to intervene before the cargo could leave the country.
The components were described as mechanical parts intended for systems used in military vehicles produced by Elbit Systems Land, a division of the Israeli military manufacturer Elbit Systems.
The unions identified the French manufacturer as Mijno, based in Saint-Étienne, and named logistics company DSV in connection with the proposed transportation arrangements.
They argued that changing airlines would not remove France's responsibility to scrutinize the shipment or assess whether the components could contribute to violations of international humanitarian law.
Unions Demand End to Military Exports to Israel
The organizations called on Air France to publicly commit to refusing shipments of equipment intended for Israeli military use.
They also demanded greater transparency over French export licenses and stronger government oversight of military-related goods destined for Israel.
Under European Union arms export rules, authorities must assess risks associated with military equipment transfers, including whether the items could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Campaigners argue that components supplied to Israeli weapons manufacturers require particular scrutiny because of Israel's military operations in Gaza and the findings of international human rights organizations concerning attacks on Palestinian civilians.
The unions stressed that airport workers should not be placed in a position where their labor could facilitate the transfer of equipment potentially used in unlawful military operations.
Their campaign forms part of wider international pressure on governments and private companies to suspend military cooperation with Israel.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called for restrictions on arms transfers that could contribute to serious violations of international law in Gaza.
Airport Workers Intensify Pressure Against Arms Transfers
The confrontation at Charles de Gaulle Airport has highlighted the growing role of transport workers and trade unions in campaigns challenging military supply chains connected to Israel.
For the participating organizations, preventing the departure of the disputed shipment represents an important step, but not the end of their campaign.
They are demanding that French authorities inspect the cargo, establish its intended use and prevent its export if it poses a risk of contributing to serious violations of international law.
The unions have also urged airport workers to remain vigilant about future shipments involving Israeli military manufacturers.
As pressure mounts on France to reassess military-related exports to Israel, the organizations insist that preventing one shipment is insufficient without broader government action.
Their central demand remains a comprehensive halt to transfers of military equipment and components that could be used in Israel's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
Source : Safa News
