French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan is being investigated by the European Parliament after removing an Israeli flag from an event in Strasbourg, saying her protest was directed at Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, alleged violations of international law and what she called Europe’s “unbearable double standards” towards Israel.
The event was organised in partnership with the Israeli diplomatic representation and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Hassan said objects displayed at the exhibition included necklaces featuring a map depicting Israel extending across Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, which she argued contradicted the EU’s longstanding diplomatic position. She also said Israeli artist Yaron Bob, who was invited to the event, denied the existence of Palestine and Palestinians during an exchange with her.
As she left the event, Hassan removed the Israeli flag from its stand.
The incident has now prompted a formal investigation by the European Parliament. President Roberta Metsola said the matter was being taken “extremely seriously” and that all appropriate procedures were being followed, while Parliament has confirmed that sanctions are being considered. Hassan has asked for footage of the incident to be made public, arguing that transparency is necessary to prevent what she called “fake news”.
Hassan also questioned why an Israeli flag should be displayed inside the European Parliament while Israel continues its military campaign against Gaza. She compared this with Russia, arguing that a Russian flag would not be accepted inside Parliament while Russia was waging war in Ukraine.
