The Australian federal government has cancelled the visa for Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, a member of Israel’s far right-handed Mahdar Religious Zionism Party.
Rothman, part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, has previously advocated the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and has denied hunger claims to the territory.
In May, Rothman told British Channel 4 that the UK should “run away” from Gaza, or that “you’re using them as human shields to support and bet terrorist organizations.”
Israeli politicians were scheduled to speak at events in Australia in a few days, including a Sydney event next Thursday hosted by the Australian Jewish Association.
However, his visa has been cancelled and Simcha has been banned from travelling to Australia for three years. This may apply to cancellation depending on the reason for the cancellation.
Home Minister Tony Burke said Australia would not accept people traveling to cause division.
Earlier this month, tens of thousands of Sydney people held a massive rally calling for an end to Israeli war with Gaza. Protesters carried pots and pans, symbolizing forced starvation that endured Gaza’s population, calling for a ceasefire and unlimited aid.
Police estimated attendance at around 90,000, but organizers said the number could reach 300,000. New South Wales Sen. Malene Falki addressed the crowd, demanding “the harshest sanctions against Israel,” and condemned the “genocide” of Palestinians as an unpunished crime.