French MP Quits Gaza Flotilla for ‘Personal Reasons,’ Flies to Meet PFLP Representatives in Lebanon
Thomas Portes, a French Member of Parliament, recently left the Gaza flotilla citing “personal reasons.” Shortly after his departure, he traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, where he met with representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). This move has sparked criticism from French Jewish politician Shannon Seban.
During his visit to Lebanon, Portes was accompanied by deputy Andree Taurinya, as well as political figures Olivier Besancenot and Salah Hamouri. On September 26th, 2025, the group visited significant sites including the cemetery of the martyrs of the Palestinian cause, and the refugee camps of Sabra and Chatila and Mar Elias in Beirut.
Portes’ engagements in Lebanon come at a sensitive time and have generated considerable political discussion and controversy in France.
