Israel detained and deported two British parliamentarians, deporting them, and refused entry as part of a parliamentary delegation, according to British Foreign Secretary David Lamey.
Labour MPs Ewan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were rejected from London on Saturday, citing a statement from Israeli immigration ministry after alleged plans to “document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.”
In a statement, Ramie said Israel’s actions were “counter effective and deeply concerned.”
“I have made it clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is not a way to treat British lawmakers. We have contacted both lawmakers tonight to provide our support,” he said.
“The UK government’s focus is ensuring a ceasefire and return to negotiations, stop the bloodshed, release hostages and end the conflict in Gaza,” Ramy added.
In a joint statement, Yang and Mohamed said they were “surprised” by the decision.
“We are amazed at the unprecedented steps taken by Israeli authorities to reject the entry of British Parliament to visit the occupied West Bank,” they write to X.
“It is important that lawmakers can first-hand witness the situation on the occupied Palestinian territory.”
They added: “We are two of the MPs who have spoken in Parliament in recent months about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of complying with international humanitarian law.
“Members need to be concerned about speaking freely in the House of Representatives without fear of being targeted.”
Last year, Israel declared Antonio Guterres’ Secretary-General of the United Nations “unwanted” and banned him from entering the country. Two members of the European Parliament were also denied entry in February.