The Paris Court of Appeals ordered his release after years of legal efforts and protests, with supporters advocating for his freedom and demonstrating in Paris.

His release is conditional upon him leaving French territory permanently, with plans for deportation to Lebanon, where authorities view him as a fighter for Palestinian rights.

The Lebanese government has expressed its readiness to facilitate his return, and support from Lebanese authorities has been consistent over the years.

Prosecutors may appeal the decision to France's highest court, but this is unlikely to prevent his release scheduled for next week.

His brother, Robert Abdallah, expressed joy at the decision, noting it was unexpected given the history of failed release attempts and international pressures.

The court found Abdallah's prison behavior to be irreproachable and stated he posed no serious risk of committing new terrorist acts.

Despite his eligibility for release since 1999, opposition from the US and other authorities, citing concerns over his political views and convictions, has delayed his freedom for decades.

Officials from the French appeals court have yet to comment publicly on the ruling, which was reported by media outlets like BFM TV.

Upon release, Abdallah is expected to be deported to Lebanon, where he is viewed more as a symbol of Palestinian resistance than a criminal, and he will be required to leave France immediately.

Lebanese national Georges Abdallah, one of France's oldest prisoners, has been ordered to be released on July 25, 2025, after serving over 40 years for his involvement in the assassination of American and Israeli diplomats.

The court ruled that Abdallah, now 74, posed no public safety risk and that his lengthy detention was disproportionate to his crimes, marking a significant legal victory.

His release follows a series of legal battles, including a previous court ruling in November that was appealed by prosecutors, citing his unchanged political views.