From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 24, 2025
European Parliament member who expressed support for violence against Israel barred from entering country
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel refuses entry to Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament who landed in Israel as part of an EU Commission delegation that is slated to meet Palestinian Authority officials.
Hassan, a French jurist born in Syria to Palestinian parents, has expressed support for violence against Israel and was summoned by French police for comments allegedly lauding terrorism.
A statement by Interior Minister Moshe Arbel issued shortly before she landed accuses Hassan of working to “promote boycotts against Israel.” Arbel adds that the decision was made in conjunction with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry.
“Hassan will be returned to Brussels,” he says.
Hassan is currently awaiting boarding for a flight back, an Interior Ministry official tells The Times of Israel.
The incident occurs as Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is in Brussels for meetings with EU leaders and the 27 foreign ministers from EU states.
???????? résolution 3070 (XXVIII) de l’assemblée générale des nations unies : réaffirme la légitimité de la lutte des peuples pour se libérer de la domination coloniale et étrangère et de l’emprise étrangère par tous les moyens en leur pouvoir y compris la lutte armée. pic.twitter.com/WkaGYxPsHm
— Rima Hassan (@RimaHas) February 23, 2025
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