Kristina Roberts
Two Labour MPs have expressed shock after being denied entry to Israel during a planned visit to the occupied West Bank. Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang said it was crucial for British parliamentarians to witness the on-ground realities in Palestinian territories, but Israeli authorities blocked their entry, accusing them of intending to “spread hate speech.”
Israel’s population and immigration authority claimed the MPs aimed to “document security forces” and were involved in promoting sanctions against Israeli ministers. The Israeli embassy in London stated the country “will not allow individuals or entities that act against the state and its citizens” to enter.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy strongly condemned Israel’s decision, calling it “unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning.” In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Israel’s right to control its borders, suggesting that the denial of entry to Labour MPs was telling.
The two MPs—Yang of Earley and Woodley and Mohamed of Sheffield Central—had flown from London Luton on Saturday with two aides. All four were denied entry after questioning. The Israeli government said they declined hotel accommodation and flew back early Sunday, with return tickets covered by Israel.
According to the MPs, the trip had been arranged with UK-based charities that have over a decade of experience in organizing such delegations. “Parliamentarians should feel free to speak truthfully in the House of Commons without fear of being targeted,” Mohamed and Yang said in a joint statement.
Lammy confirmed the Foreign Office had been in touch with the MPs to provide support. “This is no way to treat British parliamentarians,” he said.
The Council for Arab-British Understanding and Medical Aid for Palestinians—organizers of the trip—defended the delegation, stating it was a long-standing programme focused on visiting humanitarian projects in the West Bank. The MPs had also informed the UK consul general in Jerusalem ahead of their visit.
Both first elected in 2024, Mohamed and Yang have been vocal on issues relating to Israel and Palestine. Mohamed previously spearheaded a cross-party letter calling for a ban on goods from Israeli settlements and criticized Israeli actions in Gaza. Yang advocated for sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers and highlighted dangers faced by journalists and medics in conflict zones.
Emily Thornberry, Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, came to their defense, describing them as “highly respected parliamentarians” and criticizing Israel’s decision as “an insult to Britain and Parliament.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also criticized Badenoch’s remarks, calling them another example of poor judgement.
The diplomatic incident comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Since Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 and taking hostages, Israeli forces have conducted prolonged operations across Palestinian territories. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims over 50,000 people have died since, including more than 1,300 after a ceasefire ended in March.
Lammy reiterated the UK’s focus on restoring a ceasefire and working toward a negotiated resolution to end the conflict, free hostages, and stop the bloodshed.
