Overview

• Rima Hassan, a French MEP born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, described Hamas's actions as 'legitimate' under international law, prompting outrage across political and public spheres.
• 94 French senators from the right and center have formally requested European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to initiate proceedings to lift Hassan's parliamentary immunity.
• Critics, including government ministers and public figures, argue Hassan's comments amount to an endorsement of terrorism, with some calling for her to face legal consequences.
• Debate has arisen around the possibility of revoking Hassan's French nationality, though legal experts note this would render her stateless, as she holds no other nationality.
• The controversy has intensified political divisions, with Hassan's supporters denouncing the backlash as a targeted campaign against her and her political party, La France Insoumise.