French authorities have issued warrants for two Franco-Israeli nationals on allegations of “complicity in genocide.” The warrants relate to accusations that Nili Kupfer-Naouri and Rachel Touitou attempted to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
Investigation Details
The warrants, issued in July of last year, require Kupfer-Naouri and Touitou to appear before an investigating magistrate, but do not include provisions for their detention. According to a lawyer representing NGOs that filed a legal complaint in 2023, this marks the first time any country has considered obstructing aid deliveries as potentially constituting complicity in genocide.
The two women, associated with the groups Israel is Forever and Tsav 9 respectively, are accused of attempting to block aid trucks at the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom border crossings between January and November 2024, and again in May 2025. Activists involved in these efforts reportedly opposed aid deliveries while Israeli hostages remained captive in Gaza.
In addition to the charge of complicity in genocide, the two are also suspected of “public provocation for genocide” through calls to prevent aid from entering Gaza. Rachel Touitou, 34, expressed her views on social media, questioning whether peaceful protest against aid diversion would be considered a crime.
Olivier Pardo, legal counsel for Kupfer-Naouri, stated that her actions were intended to protest the alleged “hijacking” of humanitarian aid by Hamas, the group that initiated the October 7, 2023, invasion of southern Israel and the subsequent hostage crisis. Kupfer-Naouri herself described the investigation as “antisemitic madness.”
Further Investigations Possible
Authorities are considering issuing warrants for approximately ten additional individuals connected to the alleged obstruction of aid. Other complaints filed in France include allegations of “war crimes” related to the deaths of Franco-Palestinian children in Gaza, as well as actions taken by Franco-Israeli soldiers operating in the territory. A separate complaint concerns the October 7th Hamas-led attack.
Israel maintains that it does not commit genocide and takes steps to avoid harming civilians, even while acknowledging that Hamas operates from within civilian areas. All Israeli hostages previously held in Gaza have been returned, with the body of Ran Gvili repatriated last week following a ceasefire agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific actions are Kupfer-Naouri and Touitou accused of?
They are accused of attempting to block aid trucks from entering Gaza at the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom border crossings between January and November 2024, and in May 2025.
What is the significance of this investigation?
According to a lawyer for the NGOs involved, this is the first time a country has considered blocking humanitarian aid as potential “complicity in genocide.”
Are Kupfer-Naouri and Touitou currently in custody?
No, the warrants require them to appear before an investigating magistrate, but do not authorize their detention.
As this investigation unfolds, what impact might it have on the ongoing debate surrounding humanitarian aid and the complexities of conflict in Gaza?
