French restaurant sparks controversy because of malfunctioning 'Hamas' sign

Police asked a restaurant in southeastern France to turn off its "Hamas Tacos" sign after it malfunctioned, media reports said Thursday.

The sign on the restaurant in the town of Valence turned from "Chamas Tacos" to "Hamas Tacos" because the letter "C" was not lighting up. It drew attention because of the current Mideast conflict, according to the France Bleu broadcaster.

Videos on social media showed police asking the manager to turn off the neon sign late Wednesday.

Officers threatened the manager with an administrative shutdown if he did not immediately turn off the sign, according to the videos.

Manager Mohamed said the letter C went off months ago.

"We got a bid to remake the entire facade in the next months," he said, adding he did not know about Hamas before the current conflict began.

"It is a sad coincidence, pure coincidence," said Mohamed. "We only do trade, not politics."

A new wave of conflict broke out Oct. 7 when Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. The Palestinian group said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

France has expressed support for Israel.