A Holocaust memorial in the French city of Lyon has been defaced, local officials said, condemning the act at a time of growing concern about antisemitic incidents in France.

The words “Free Gaza” were etched into a black marble stele, according to a photo shared on social media by Yonathan Arfi, president of the CRIF, a body representing Jewish institutions in France.

Arfi described the incident late on Saturday as “despicable”, while the mayor of Lyon, Gregory Doucet, and the prefect of the Rhone region, Fabienne Buccio, also spoke out.

In a post on X, Buccio said nothing justified the “shameful act”, and expressed her support to the Jewish community.

Doucet called the incident an “intolerable act”, adding that the perpetrators would be sought and prosecuted.