In an interview with CNN on Monday, March 11, 2024, Queen Rania said that as shocking as October 7th was for Israel, it does not give them the right to commit atrocities one after another against the Palestinians.

She added that while Israel experienced one October 7th, Palestinians experienced 156 of them.

“They go through it every day, and before that, they lived 50 years of occupation, restrictions on movement, control over every aspect of their lives, and humiliation.”

Queen Rania continued, “If I were to address the Israeli public, I would say if you want peace and security, you must address this great injustice at your doorstep… There are no shortcuts.”

She also pointed out that it is not a coincidence that we are witnessing one of the fiercest episodes of conflict under one of the most stagnant and racist regimes in Israel’s history. Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his policy is based on the principle of “divide and conquer.”

She said, “Even before October 7th, a record was set in expanding settlements… Israel is also allowed to violate international law, and as long as its allies do not demand accountability, its sense of impunity will increase. For years, Israel has been talking about peace, but it sentenced it to death through settlements.”

Queen Rania’s statements provoked the anger of Itmar Ben Gafir

The interview sparked anger in Israel, and the Minister of National Security for the occupation, Itmar Ben Gafir, commented on the interview and attacked Queen Rania.

המלכה ראניה מוזמנת להיזכר מה עשה האבא של בעלה כשהיו לו בעיות מול הטרור הפלסטיני. ספטמבר השחור מוסר ד״ש

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) March 12, 2024

In a tweet on the platform, Ben Gafir wrote that Queen Rania should remember what her husband’s father did when he faced problems with what he described as “Palestinian terrorism.”

He added, “Black September sends you warm regards.”