French police are investigating a suspected terrorist attack in southern France after a powerful explosion occurred near the "Beit Yaakov" synagogue in the city of La Grande-Motte, causing a fire earlier today (Saturday).
A community police officer was injured in the explosion, and minor damage was caused to the building's lower floor. According to a report by AFP, the explosion resulted from the ignition of two vehicles, one of which contained a gas cylinder. Footage in French media shows the suspect wearing a Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident an "act of terrorism" and stated that the fight against antisemitism is an "ongoing battle."
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said a search for the suspects is underway and described the incident as an "antisemitic attack." He emphasized, "We will not yield in the face of antisemitism and violence."
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that it was an "arson attack" and that the background to the event is "clearly criminal." He declared that police forces would be reinforced at the scene and that security around Jewish institutions across the country would be heightened.
