French Synagogue Attack Sparks Antisemitism Concerns Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

A 33-year-old man, identified as EHK, faces preliminary terrorism charges for an arson attack on a French synagogue aimed at defending Palestinians. The incident has heightened security at Jewish places of worship and revived concerns about antisemitism in France. EHK's radical beliefs and recent actions are under investigation.

A 33-year-old man faces preliminary terrorism charges after an arson attack on a synagogue in La Grande Motte, France, aimed at defending Palestinians and changing Israeli policy, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The incident has raised concerns about antisemitism in France, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, leading to increased security at Jewish places of worship. The suspect, identified only as EHK, was arrested after setting multiple fires at the Beth Yaacov synagogue, during which a police officer was injured.

EHK, an Algerian national with French residency, admitted to staging the attack to support the Palestinian cause and scare people, though he claimed he had no intent to kill. The investigation revealed his growing radicalization and longstanding hatred towards Jews, with recent internet searches about synagogues and Jewish practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)