Diplomatic row escalates over weekend after two British Labour MP’s, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, were refused entry into Israel and deported sparking robust criticism from UK Government.
The Israeli immigration ministry claimed the MPs were trying to “document the operations of security forces and disseminate anti-Israel propaganda” contrary to their claim of visiting as members of a parliamentary delegation. The parliamentarians flew to Ben Gurion on Saturday from London’s Luton but were sent packing hours later.
Together, Yang and Mohamed condemned “shockingly” and stressed it was necessary for British parliamentarians to see for themselves the realities on the occupied Palestinian territory. The visit, they claimed, was arranged with UK-based charities.
Israel’s action was “unacceptable, counterproductive, deeply concerning,” Foreign Secretary Lammy said, and the government had taken up the issue at the highest levels with their Israeli counterparts. “This has nothing to do with how to respect, in any way – or even close to respecting – British parliamentarians,” he said, backing the UK’s efforts for peace in Gaza.
Mohamed has been a vocal Israel critic for military actions in Gaza, calling them sometimes “ethnic cleansing.” in a January parliamentary session-an assertion Israel firmly reject.
The growth of Israeli military in Gaza, the fact that this is a new low point in the UK-Israel relationship as there is an increasing pressure on both sides with international calls for a cease fire and humanitarian access.
