Who is Rima Hassan, the French MEP Accompanying Greta Thunberg to Gaza?.png)
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As Israel intercepted the Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, global attention turned not only to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, but also to French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan. A vocal advocate for refugee rights and Palestinian justice, Hassan has emerged as a significant voice in Europe’s growing discourse on the Gaza conflict.
Born in Syria, Raised in France
Rima Hassan Mobarak was born in Aleppo, Syria, and migrated to France with her family at the age of nine. Settling in Niort, she eventually obtained French citizenship and pursued an academic path in law. She earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Montpellier and later pursued a Master’s in International Law at Panthéon-Sorbonne University.
Her background as a Syrian-born refugee has shaped much of her advocacy and professional journey, making her one of the few voices in European politics with lived experience in displacement.
Founder of the Refugee Camps Observatory
In 2019, Hassan founded the Refugee Camps Observatory, a non-governmental organization dedicated to monitoring and protecting the rights of people living in refugee camps across the world. Her work often focuses on legal protection, health infrastructure, and human rights violations in these vulnerable zones.
Prior to that, she worked with France’s Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) and later at the National Court of Asylum Law—gaining hands-on experience with the asylum process in Europe.
Entry Into Politics: La France Insoumise and the EU Parliament
In 2023, Hassan joined the left-wing French political party La France Insoumise and contested the 2024 European Parliament elections. Her candidacy resonated with a growing section of European voters concerned about migration policy, human rights, and the escalating violence in Palestine. She was elected to the European Parliament on 9 June 2024.
Parliamentary Roles
She currently serves on:
- The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs
- The Subcommittee on Human Rights
- The Delegation for Relations with Palestine
These roles have placed her at the forefront of EU-level policy discussions on international law, refugee protections, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
A Critical Voice on Gaza and Israel’s Actions
Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, Rima Hassan has been outspoken in her criticism of Israeli military actions and humanitarian blockades. She has also drawn attention to the impact of war and displacement on women and children in Gaza, as well as in refugee camps elsewhere in the region.
In a high-profile interview with Le Monde, she advocated for the creation of a democratic bi-national state as a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict—calling the two-state solution obsolete in light of current realities.
Barred from Entering Israel
On 24 February 2025, Hassan was denied entry into Israel as part of an official EU-Palestine delegation. The Israeli authorities cited her support for the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement and other critical statements about Israel’s Gaza policy as the reason for the rejection.
The Freedom Flotilla and the Gaza Mission
On 1 June 2025, Hassan joined a group of international activists, including Greta Thunberg, aboard a ship named Madleen. The vessel departed from the Italian port of Catania, Sicily, carrying essential humanitarian aid destined for the blockaded Gaza Strip. However, Israeli naval forces intercepted the boat before it could reach Palestinian waters.
The flotilla, organized to protest Israel’s blockade and deliver medical supplies, included lawmakers, NGO workers, and human rights observers. Hassan’s participation signaled Europe’s rising political engagement on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Why Her Presence Matters
Rima Hassan is not just another name in European politics. Her personal history as a refugee, combined with her professional expertise and political advocacy, makes her uniquely qualified to speak on issues of displacement, sovereignty, and human rights.
Her presence aboard the Gaza-bound ship was a deliberate political act—challenging the status quo of EU silence on the Gaza blockade and demonstrating solidarity with Palestinian civilians suffering under siege.
In Summary:
| Key Facts about Rima Hassan | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | French (Syrian-born) |
| Profession | Jurist, Politician, Human Rights Activist |
| Political Party | La France Insoumise |
| Elected as MEP | 9 June 2024 |
| Key Committees | Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Delegation on Palestine |
| Flotilla Role | Aboard ship Madleen with Greta Thunberg delivering Gaza aid |
| Stance on Israel-Gaza | Pro-Palestine, supports democratic bi-national state |
As the Israel-Gaza conflict intensifies, voices like Rima Hassan’s are growing more prominent in European politics. Her participation in the Freedom Flotilla marks a turning point in how MEPs engage with international human rights crises—not just through speeches in Brussels, but through direct action. Her story is a reminder of the rising tide of conscience within the European Union.