French MEP Rima Hassan removes Israeli flag in European Parliament protest

STRASBOURG : French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan has removed an Israeli flag inside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, confirming that her action was a direct protest against the ongoing genocide in Gaza, breaches of international law, and institutional “double standards”.

The incident occurred on Monday during an unofficial event organised alongside the diplomatic representation of Israel and the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Hassan noted that jewellery displayed at the gathering featured maps depicting Israel encompassing the entirety of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, defying the European Union’s established diplomatic framework.

Hassan explained that she acted after Israeli artist Yaron Bob denied the existence of the Palestinian people during an in-person exchange, asserting: “Palestine does not exist. It is a chimera, like unicorns… there are no Palestinian refugees, nor Palestinians”.

“As I was leaving, I removed the Israeli flag from its stand,” Hassan wrote on X.

“My gesture is part of the denunciation of the ongoing genocide, of violations of international law, and of this incessant and unbearable double standard.”

Hassan argued that whilst a Russian flag would never be permitted within European Parliament premises, Israel continues to enjoy “total impunity” despite diplomatic representation on site.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed lawmakers during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, accusing Hassan of damaging the exhibition and stating the matter is being treated “extremely seriously” under official disciplinary procedures.

Hassan rejected accusations of vandalism or assault, explaining that the adjacent EU flag fell purely due to base imbalance when the Israeli flag was detached.

“No flag was trampled, damaged, or thrown away,” she stated.

Hassan added that she has written directly to Metsola, urging the release of security video recordings to reporters to counter misinformation.

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