French-Palestinian politician detained by Israel condemns European Parliament's silence after her return

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) – French-Palestinian politician Rima Hassan, who was detained by Israeli forces earlier this month along with other activists while aboard an aid ship heading to Gaza, addressed the European Parliament on Monday, condemning the silence and lack of political response from European institutions.

Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), noted that on June 9, she and 11 others were abducted in international waters by the Israeli military and taken to Israel.

The group, traveling on board the Madleen on a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza, was subjected to illegal detention, physical restraints and subsequent deportation by Israel.

In her first speech at the European Parliament since returning, Hassan urged the parliament to overcome political divisions and recognize the legitimacy of the humanitarian mission.

She emphasized "Gaza's right to receive international aid amid an ongoing famine and genocide."

"This silence is a serious political failing. It adds to Israel's impunity. It goes against the credibility of this institution. If the parliament does not speak out, we are no longer there to fight for human rights," she said.

Speaking after Hassan at the same session, Marc Botenga, another MEP, sharply condemned Israel's recent military strike on Iran, describing it as an illegal and criminal act.

"We insist on having a vote on a resolution as well on this because Israel illegally and criminally attacked Iran this weekend. Illegally, because you can't just attack another country,” he said.

"I know Israel is in the habit of doing it, but it's still illegal and criminal because a lot of civilians, including children, were killed and nuclear power plants were deliberately targeted, creating this way the risk of a nuclear catastrophe with mass civilian victims."

“Now this is terrible. When Russia illegally attacks Ukraine, they condemn it. “

He also criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for emphasizing Israel's "right to defend itself," arguing that Israel was the aggressor in this case.