Two Labour MPs have been left “astounded” after they were refused entry to Israel. The two MPs in question are Zarah Sultana and Kim Johnson, both of whom had planned to visit the country on a fact-finding mission. However, upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, they were detained and subsequently deported back to the UK.
The reason for their deportation is believed to be their support for the Palestinian cause and their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Both Sultana and Johnson have been vocal in their condemnation of the Israeli government’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, with Sultana describing Israel’s actions as “war crimes” and Johnson calling for an end to the violence.
In a statement following their deportation, Sultana said she was “shocked and appalled” by the treatment she and Johnson received at the hands of Israeli authorities. She accused the government of trying to silence critics of their actions in Gaza and vowed to continue speaking out against what she sees as a blatant violation of human rights.
Johnson, for her part, expressed disappointment at being denied entry to Israel, but reaffirmed her commitment to standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people. She called for an end to the violence and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The decision to deport Sultana and Johnson has sparked outrage among their colleagues in the Labour Party, with many calling it a violation of their rights to freedom of speech and expression. Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy has condemned the move, saying it is unacceptable for MPs to be denied entry to a country simply for expressing their views on a particular issue.
Despite their deportation, Sultana and Johnson have vowed to continue advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people and speaking out against what they see as injustices committed by the Israeli government. They have called on the international community to take action to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
