Two British Labour MPs were denied entry to Israel while on a trip to visit the occupied West Bank. Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang were “astounded” after being refused entry, claiming they had been accused of spreading hate speech against Israel.
The Israeli immigration authority cited their alleged intention to document the security forces and promote sanctions against Israeli ministers as reasons for the denial. However, the MPs say this was not the case, stating that their trip was organized with UK charities that aimed to promote humanitarian efforts in the region.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Israel’s decision, describing it as “unacceptable” and saying he had spoken to his counterparts about the issue. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Israel’s right to control its borders, but her comments were met with criticism from within her own party.
The MPs have been vocal critics of Israeli policies, including calls for a ban on goods from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. They also criticized Israel for withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists and medical professionals in the region.
Israel’s Interior Minister has said the MPs left the country early on Sunday, following an offer of hotel accommodation that they declined. The UK Foreign Office had been in touch with the MPs to offer support, with Lammy describing Badenoch’s comments as “disgraceful”.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9133z2v30o