MEP Rima Hassan Admits Removing Israeli Flag at European Parliament

Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for La France insoumise, has acknowledged removing the Israeli flag from an exhibition honoring victims of the October 7, 2023, massacre. The incident, captured on surveillance cameras, is under review by parliamentary services and could lead to disciplinary action. Hassan's team stated that she removed the flag as she left the exhibition area, and the European Union flag, mounted on the same stand, fell accidentally due to imbalance. Her office insists that no flag was trampled or damaged, countering accusations from other MEPs. Hassan, however, claims responsibility for removing the Israeli flag, asserting the act was a protest against the ongoing "genocide" by the Israeli government, while emphasizing it was not directed at the victims or their memory. The European Parliament confirmed the incident is being analyzed. Images from the surveillance footage will not be made public, according to Le Parisien. Hassan is expected to explain her actions to Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who will decide on any sanctions. The controversy began when MEP François-Xavier Bellamy accused Hassan of knocking over both the Israeli and EU flags, calling it "complicity with those who seek to import antisemitic hatred." MEP Nathalie Loiseau also accused Hassan of trampling an Israeli flag, which Hassan denies. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the act as "shameful" and "scandalous," criticizing Hassan's "lack of respect" for the institution.