It has been reported that two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and staff from the European Parliament administration were denied entry into Israel.
This refusal allegedly occurred despite their travel being part of an official mission organized by the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine.
The Left Group in the European Parliament has raised these claims.
Lynn Boylan, Chairperson of the European Parliament Delegation, and Rima Hassan were both denied entry at Ben-Gurion Airport on February 24.
It is also understood that members of the European Parliament administration, who are not affiliated with any political group, were similarly refused entry.
Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland), who leads the European Parliament delegation for relations with Palestine, strongly condemned the decision.
She stated: “It is utterly disgraceful that Israel has blocked MEPs, who are traveling as part of an official European Parliament delegation, from passing through Israel. This blatant contempt from Israel is a consequence of the international community failing to hold them accountable. As part of the visit, I was due to meet with the Palestinian Authority, civil society organizations, and, most importantly, the Palestinian men, women, and children who have borne the brunt of Israel’s genocidal war and illegal occupation. Israel is a rogue state, and this disgraceful action underscores their complete disregard for international law. Europe must now hold Israel accountable.
“We need concrete measures, including sanctions against Israel.”
The Left Group also emphasized that MEPs must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities as elected representatives, whether within or outside Europe, and should not be obstructed in their duties.
A spokesperson further stated:
“This latest incident comes as the EU-Israel Association Council held a meeting in Brussels, where the EU resumed normal relations with Israel despite its severe violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank, amounting to the crime of genocide.”
“The Left stands with its elected representatives and the people of Palestine and will continue to push for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. It provides unique and independent coverage of international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, Eurotoday reports on EU policies and politics, significant developments in Member States, and global issues from a European viewpoint.
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