France Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in 1982 Attack on Jewish Restaurant in Paris

SadaNews - France welcomed on Friday the news of the Palestinian authorities' arrest of a suspect in an attack that took place on a Jewish restaurant in Paris 43 years ago, which resulted in the deaths of six people and injured at least 20 others.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on X platform that the arrest became possible thanks to President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state next Monday, "which allowed us to request his extradition."

Macron welcomed the cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, adding, "We are working together for a swift extradition process."

The bombing and shooting attack on the Jo Goldberg restaurant in the heart of the Jewish quarter in Le Marais in August 1982 was the deadliest attack in France at that time since World War II.

The attack occurred amid a wave of assaults carried out by Palestinian militants that began in the 1970s. No trials related to this case have been held previously.

In addition to France, about ten countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain, and Canada, are expected to officially recognize a Palestinian state on Monday, ahead of the annual gathering of leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.

Barrot stated, "Nothing can change France's determination to take action against terrorism and anti-Semitism."

Several French media outlets reported, citing the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, that Interpol informed them of the arrest of Mahmoud Khadr Abed Adra, also known as Hisham Harb, by the Palestinian authorities.

In July, French judges ordered the trial of six individuals, including Harb, in a special terrorism court due to the attack.