Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian vessel Madleen carrying Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan toward Gaza, triggering escalating French diplomatic protests throughout the day. Macron initially demanded consular protection for six French nationals aboard, then hardened his language by evening, calling Israel's humanitarian blockade a "scandal" and "shame" - his strongest condemnation yet of Israeli Gaza policy.
The seizure prompted Jean-Luc Mélenchon to organize 170 solidarity rallies across France, denouncing "piracy" while the vessel reached Ashdod port. French media coverage intensified as passengers underwent medical examinations.
Meanwhile, Macron opened the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, declaring "boiling" oceans and stating the abyss "is not for sale" in apparent reference to Trump's policies. One year after his parliamentary dissolution, Macron expressed hope against future dissolutions while not ruling them out completely.
The National Rally hosted Viktor Orbán and European allies in the Loiret, with coverage highlighting conspiracy theories and ultraconservative rhetoric at the gathering.