Israel refuses entry and deports two British Labour Party Members

Israeli authorities on Saturday (April 5) refused entry to two British Labour Party lawmakers, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, and deported them after a brief detention.

The Israeli Ministry of Immigration stated that the reason for denying entry was suspicion that these two lawmakers were planning to “document the activities of the security forces and spread anti-Israeli hate speech.” The statement also indicated that the two were not entering in any official capacity recognized by the Israeli authorities.

Yuan Yang represents the Earley and Woodley constituency, while Mohamed is a lawmaker for the Sheffield Central constituency. The two arrived in Israel on Saturday afternoon from London Luton Airport, accompanied by two assistants.

After completing the immigration inspection, Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel decided to refuse entry to the four individuals and ordered their deportation. A spokesperson for the Israeli Population Administration confirmed that the four had departed on a flight in the early hours of Sunday local time.

Furthermore, the Israeli Embassy in the UK explained that the reasons for denying entry to the two lawmakers included their past public accusations against Israel, active promotion of sanctions against Israeli ministers, and support for international actions boycotting Israel, positions deemed contrary to Israel’s national security stance.

In response, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement expressing that the treatment of British Members of Parliament by Israel was “unacceptable.” Lammy emphasized that the current focus of the UK government is on promoting ceasefire restoration and negotiations to stop the bloodshed conflict, release hostages, and end the Gaza conflict.

Amidst this incident, tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military recently expanded its “security zone” in the northern Gaza Strip and plans to launch a new wave of military operations in the south.

(Information referenced from reports by “Sky News,” the BBC, and “The Times of Israel”)