Israel denies entry to 2 British MPs, accuses them of visiting for espionage
British Labour Party MP's Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed. (Courtesy of Times of India)
Israeli authorities denied entry on Friday to British Labour Party MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang, who said they were visiting as part of an official U.K. parliamentary delegation, the Times of Israel reported.
The two MPs, along with their aides, landed at Ben Gurion Airport around 2:30 p.m. local time.
During questioning, both parliamentarians asserted that their visit was officially sanctioned by the U.K. Parliament.
Israeli interior ministry’s explanation
Israel’s Interior Ministry disputed the British MPs’ argument that the visit was part of an official UK delegation. Officials alleged that the MPs intended to document Israeli military operations and promote what they described as “anti-Israel hate speech.”
The ministry also accused both MPs of supporting international boycott campaigns against Israel—a justification previously used by Israeli authorities to deny entry to foreign visitors.
Recent pattern of restrictions
This is not the first time Israel has barred European lawmakers from entry. In February, two members of the European Parliament—Lynn Boylan and Rima Hassan—were denied access while traveling on an official visit.
The decision reflects Israel’s growing caution over foreign political delegations amid ongoing international criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
UK government strongly condemns action
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel’s decision, calling it “unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning.”
It is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by Israeli authorities.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy
He noted that the U.K. was in contact with the MPs and had expressed its dissatisfaction to Israeli officials, stating that “this is no way to treat British parliamentarians.”
Lammy reaffirmed the U.K. government’s broader position on the Gaza conflict, stating, “Our focus remains on securing a return to a cease-fire, freeing the hostages, and resuming negotiations to end the bloodshed in Gaza.”
