Israel revokes visas of 27 French MPs as tensions rise with Europe
Israel has revoked the visas of 27 French MPs two days before they were to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories as it isolates itself from the left-wing of Europe.
According to RFI on April 21st, French MPs have released a statement declaring the Israeli government cancelled their visas and called on French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene in what they describe as “collective punishment.”
Israel’s Interior Ministry terminated their visas under a law that allows authorities to ban people who could act against the State of Israel.
The 27, who mostly belong to left-wing French parties, intended to visit Israel and the territories as part of their mission to “strengthen international cooperation and the culture of peace.”
Yet this is not the first instance of Israel banning foreign government officials from entering the country. In February, Israel prevented, Franco-Palestinian Rima Hassan and Lynn Boylan from Ireland, from entering, despite being European Parliament deputies.
Additionally, Israeli authorities this month detained British members of parliament Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed at Tel Aviv airport and deported them, also accusing them of posing a potential threat to the state.
David Lammy, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, labelled Israel’s move as “counterproductive, and deeply concerning,” but added, “the UK government’s focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.”
The two British MPs had spoken out about the Israel-Palestine conflict and the importance of complying with International Humanitarian Law.
The statement by the French MPs declared a “major rupture in diplomatic ties” as Israel seems to orientate itself towards the Europea far-right and away from left-wing delegates.
The treatment of the British MPs came shortly after Lammy had met – in secret – with with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on April 15th regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
The visit received swathes of criticism as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza with Israel Katz, the Defence Minister of Israel, said “Israel’s policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population.”
It also follows the French President’s indication that he would be prepared to recognise a Palestinian state.
The National, Al Jazeera, Maghrebi
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