Israeli MKs push to expel Palestinian lawmaker Ayman Odeh over pro-Gaza remarks

Around 70 members of Israel's Knesset have signed a petition calling for the expulsion of Palestinian lawmaker Ayman Odeh over remarks he made at a recent pro-Gaza rally, where he voiced support for Palestinian prisoners and condemned the war on Gaza.

Odeh, head of the Hadash-Ta'al alliance, delivered a speech last week at a rally attended by over 2,000 people and representatives from more than 20 peace organisations. In his address, he said: "Gaza will prevail over war, destruction and occupation," adding that "the Palestinians people will triumph."

He also described Israel as having become "a pariah state across the world" and criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for having "normalised war", urging Israelis to "normalise opposition to it".

The petition against him was launched by Likud MK Avichai Boaron, who accused Odeh of "crossing red lines" and described his comments as "an attack on the Israeli state from within".

Boaron also claimed Odeh had "equated Hamas fighters with kidnapped Israelis", adding that "the Jewish people will defeat Gaza."

Odeh has defended his remarks, calling them a "moral and humanitarian stance" in the face of Israel's devastating war on Gaza and continued restrictions on aid.

He accused his critics of hypocrisy, pointing out that "none of the 70 signatories condemned the killing of children in Gaza".

"Alongside democratic and progressive forces, I will resist this campaign with determination and integrity," he said, adding that several lawmakers behind the petition have themselves called for "the total destruction of Gaza".

Ahmad Tibi, head of the Ta'al party and Odeh's political ally, voiced support for him. At the same rally, Tibi read aloud the names of Palestinian children killed in a recent Israeli airstrike.

The petition comes amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, which has killed more than 61,700 Palestinians and flattened entire neighbourhoods.

It also coincides with growing domestic unrest, as weekly anti-government protests call for a ceasefire and a deal to return Israeli hostages.