CatalystEU/UK

Spat over Israeli flag removal engulfs the European Parliament on October 7 anniversary

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Context

What happened: An Israeli flag was removed from a European Parliament exhibition marking the October 7 attacks. MEP Rima Hassan acknowledged removing it; Parliament President Roberta Metsola said measures were being taken. Key numbers: October 7 attacks killed around 1200 people and took 251 hostage; over 70,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza; incident occurred Monday evening. Why it matters: The incident drew outrage from MEPs and Israeli officials, with Metsola calling it an attempt to intimidate rather than debate. Hassan awaits trial over separate terrorism allegations.

What changed

An Israeli flag was removed from a European Parliament exhibition marking the October 7 attacks. MEP Rima Hassan acknowledged removing it; Parliament President Roberta Metsola said measures were being taken.

Why it matters

The incident drew outrage from MEPs and Israeli officials, with Metsola calling it an attempt to intimidate rather than debate. Hassan awaits trial over separate terrorism allegations.

Sources

euronews