Blazing Car Explosion Targets French Synagogue in Deliberate Attack

A police officer was injured when a car exploded in the car park of a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France. Authorities are investigating the incident as a deliberate antisemitic attack and have pledged to increase security at Jewish institutions nationwide.

A police officer was injured in a car explosion in the parking lot of a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, on Saturday. Officials have labeled the incident a deliberate attack and plan to enhance security at Jewish institutions.

Authorities are searching for a suspect, and the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation, as stated by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. 'This is an antisemitic attack. Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted,' Attal declared on X. 'We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by such violence.'

The attack follows a rise in antisemitic incidents in Europe, attributed to the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel. Local media reported two cars, one containing a gas bottle, were set ablaze at the synagogue's parking lot. CRIF leader Yonathan Arfi condemned the attack as an attempt to kill Jews. The injured officer's life is not in danger, according to police. Further details were not disclosed, but Attal and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin are scheduled to visit the site. Darmanin assured that police protection for synagogues and Jewish schools and shops will be bolstered across the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)