Pro-Palestinian Groups Urge French Ground Crew to Block El Al Cargo

Pro-Palestinian organizations in France are calling on ground staff at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to refuse the loading of a cargo shipment they claim is destined for Israel's defense industry onto an El Al flight scheduled to depart for Tel Aviv on Saturday, October 10. The French organization UJFP announced on Thursday that the shipment was initially intended to travel via Air France but was not loaded onto that carrier due to protests. The organization now states that shipping companies involved have booked space for the cargo on El Al flight LY220.

The protest began after French labor unions CGT and Solidaires urged airport cargo workers, ground staff, and handlers to oppose the transfer of mechanical components, allegedly manufactured in France for the Israeli company Elbit Systems and intended for use in military vehicles. These organizations argue that such equipment should not be allowed to be sent to Israel.

Initially, the protest focused on Air France flight AF966, scheduled for October 8. However, a subsequent announcement indicated the cargo was not loaded onto the French airline's flight, and that shipping company DSV and French manufacturer Mijno had allegedly arranged for its transfer via El Al. Consequently, the organizations expanded their appeal to ground staff and handlers for the Israeli flight.

Air France has denied involvement in the original shipment, stating they had no booking for the described cargo and do not transport weapons or ammunition to Israel. The current situation places El Al at the center of the protest, which previously targeted the French airline. It remains to be seen whether the calls to ground staff will disrupt the cargo transfer or if the protest will remain symbolic. As of now, there have been no reports of the El Al flight being canceled.