On October 6, 2025, French leftist Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan was still in Israeli custody after her detention along with seven other activists. They were part of the “Freedom Flotilla,” a group that set out from Catania, Italy on June 3 with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli authorities intercepted the group approximately 200 kilometers from the Gaza coast on Sunday evening. Although the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry claimed that the crew members received food and water, Hassan’s team contended that only a brief distribution of sandwiches occurred during their detention that left them without sustenance throughout a 16-hour journey to Ashdod.
Following their interception, the activists were presented with a document asking them to acknowledge illegal entry into Israeli territory. Four members, including notable figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, opted to sign this document, leading to their immediate expulsion. However, Hassan and seven others refused, arguing that their group had been in international waters and therefore rejected the accusation of illegal entry. These eight activists, including Hassan, were awaiting a hearing to decide their fate regarding possible expulsion, yet they remained steadfast in their conviction that their mission was lawful.
Hassan’s parliamentary immunity, which protects her from legal actions within EU member states, does not extend beyond EU borders, raising questions about her legal standing in Israel. Her team characterized the document presented to the activists as a tool of propaganda intended to legitimize their detention, asserting that the arrest contravened international law and violated Hassan’s rights. They emphasized the humanitarian nature of their mission and labeled the detention as both arbitrary and illegal, thus drawing attention to the broader implications of such actions.
In response to these events, the European Parliament expressed its commitment to Hassan’s safety, with President Roberta Metsola actively contacting Israeli authorities to address her situation. A representative from the Parliament highlighted their continuous efforts in ensuring that all representatives, including Hassan, are treated with dignity during their international engagements. The sentiment echoed the Parliament’s broader stance regarding the protection of its members abroad, asserting their right to engage freely in humanitarian endeavors.
Rima Hassan’s detention has sparked significant political discourse in France and Brussels, with various political factions calling for her release. The political party France Unbowed issued an urgent appeal to free the detained activists and lift the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, along with MEP Manon Aubry, demanded immediate intervention from French President Macron and international bodies, emphasizing a moral obligation to protect these activists. A demonstration in Paris, organized by these leaders, attracted tens of thousands of participants, showcasing the public’s concern over the situation and the urgent calls for changes to Israeli policies in Gaza.
Past instances of MEPs being detained while conducting humanitarian missions have been noted, illustrating a pattern of challenges faced by European officials undertaking similar activities globally. In February 2025, three MEPs were arrested and expelled from the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Such incidents underscore the need for protective measures for MEPs engaged in human rights advocacy, reinforcing the European Parliament’s insistence on respect and safety for all its members during missions abroad. Hassan’s case remains emblematic of the ongoing tensions around humanitarian efforts, international law, and the rights of elected representatives worldwide.
