Fact Check: "Over 100 French citizens evacuated from Israel amid escalating war with Iran."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that approximately 100 French citizens were evacuated from Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to AP News, these citizens arrived in Cyprus aboard a French military aircraft on June 24, 2025. The evacuation was part of broader efforts by various countries to extract their nationals from the region amid escalating tensions and military actions between Israel and Iran. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the French government was facilitating the evacuation of its citizens from both Israel and Iran, allowing them to travel through neighboring countries where commercial flights were still operational (RFI).
Analysis
The claim that "over 100 French citizens were evacuated from Israel" is substantiated by multiple sources. AP News reported the arrival of around 100 French nationals in Cyprus, confirming the evacuation operation was indeed executed by the French military (AP News). Additionally, RFI highlighted that nearly 200 French citizens were repatriated from Israel, indicating a larger scale of evacuation efforts by the French government (RFI).
However, while the claim about the evacuation of "over 100" French citizens is accurate, the phrasing could imply that this was the total number evacuated, which may not be the case as reports suggest that nearly 200 were involved in the broader evacuation efforts. This discrepancy suggests that while the core of the claim is true, it lacks clarity regarding the total number involved in the evacuation process.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. AP News is a reputable news organization known for its factual reporting, and RFI is also a credible source, particularly for international news. Both outlets provide corroborative information that supports the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "over 100 French citizens evacuated from Israel amid escalating war with Iran" is partially true. While it is confirmed that approximately 100 French citizens were evacuated, reports indicate that the total number of French nationals involved in the evacuation could be as high as 200. Thus, the claim is accurate but could benefit from clarification regarding the total number evacuated.
Sources
- Foreigners evacuated by air, land and sea as Israel-Iran conflict worsens. AP News
- US strikes set Iran back by months: early report. AP News
- Countries evacuating citizens from Iran and Israel. Reuters
- Live Updates: Israel Pounds Tehran Amid Growing Calls. New York Times
- Foreign governments seek emergency exits for nationals. Washington Post
- French citizens repatriated from Israel as conflict with Iran intensifies. RFI
