Marseille Protest: Dockworkers Block Weapons to Israel, Sparking Public Outcry

Marseille Dockworkers' Blockade Sparks Protest: Citizens Rally Against Arms Shipments to Israel A protest unfolded in Marseille, France on June 5th, 2025, in support of dockworkers who refused to handle a shipment of weapons bound for Israel. The demonstration, which saw the participation of numerous citizens and activists, highlighted growing concerns regarding France's role in supplying arms to a region embroiled in conflict. The demonstration took place at the Joliette port, a key location for maritime trade. One protester, Régine Fiorani from the Collectif Marseille Gaza, expressed her anger and shame, stating, "It's anger and shame. For months, Eurolinks has been lying to its employees and the associations that contact them, saying they're not sending anything anymore, or that what's been sent won't be re-exported to Gaza. We need to stop treating people like fools." Sébastien Barles, an adjoint at the Marseille mayor's office, also commented, emphasizing the moral obligation of the dockworkers in preventing the shipment of weapons to Israel, and stating that "today, they've done their duty, their moral duty, by preventing the shipment of secret weapons to Israel for a genocide." The demonstration underscores the growing unease among French citizens regarding the nation's involvement in the ongoing conflict. The event serves as a powerful symbol of dissent and a call for greater transparency and accountability in the arms trade.