Aymeric Caron's Controversial Gaza Documentary Stir Emotions in French Parliament
A haunting documentary depicting the daily lives of Gaza Strip residents since October 7, 2022, has sparked significant controversy within the French National Assembly. The film, compiled by Aymeric Caron, a related deputy of La France Insoumise (LFI), showcases gruesome images of mutilated children, corpses, and widespread destruction. Caron asserts that the harrowing footage aims to compensate for the lack of mainstream media coverage on Palestinian suffering, which he claims has been downplayed or ignored.
Assembling this project over several weeks with the help of his parliamentary collaborators, an editor, and a librarian, Caron emphasized the extensive effort put into verifying the origin of each image, ensuring no connection to Hamas. While acknowledging a 'part of subjectivity,' he insisted the film is not propaganda. Most of the 55 sources for his documentary are local journalists, photographers, directors, and Gaza residents, with some contributions from caregivers.
The Political Fallout and Assembly Boycott
Only a fraction of the 576 invited deputies attended the screening, highlighting the divisive nature of Caron’s project. The related LFI deputy criticized the assembly for boycotting the event, calling it 'one of the most shameful in Europe.' He specifically pointed out a pro-Israeli bias within the assembly, especially those allied with Netanyahu. Notable for their absence were several high-profile LFI executives, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, though Caron clarified that none had requested to view the documentary beforehand.
Compounding tensions is the fact that this initiative follows a previous screening on November 14 of a film depicting the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, an event that had already stirred emotions. Caron, who attended this initial screening, argues that there is no denial about the horrors of October 7, but asserts a 'negationist discourse' exists surrounding the suffering of Gaza’s children and their families.
The screening also coincided with a contentious parliamentary session where LFI deputy Sébastien Delogu brandished a Palestinian flag, leading to his 15-day suspension. His actions galvanized further debate, with some deputies like Richard Ramos (MoDem) asserting the importance of viewing atrocities on both sides to avoid 'double standards.'
Caron’s documentary, titled 'Gaza since October 7,' claims to present 'raw' videos collected from varied sources, including Palestinian journalists, French and foreign media, the Israeli army, and Gaza residents. He assures viewers that significant work went into authenticating each video and emphasized that no Hamas footage is featured.
As this divisive documentary continues to create ripples, Caron is already exploring ways to screen it outside the National Assembly, aiming to raise broader awareness of the Palestinian plight.
- MP Sébastien Delogu's recent demonstration of solidarity with Palestine further highlights the charged atmosphere within French politics. Excluded from the National Assembly for brandishing a Palestinian flag, Delogu viewed his suspension as a 'victory' and a means to draw attention to the ongoing massacres in Gaza.
- Delogu’s expulsion was met with support and applause at a subsequent rally at Place de la République, attended by numerous LFI officials including Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The event galvanized public opinion on the Palestinian cause, underscoring the deep-seated divisions within French society and its political landscape concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
