Two Labor MPs said they were denied entry into Israel while heading to the West Bank.
Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang said it was “critical” MPs who could “see, witness, and witness, this is the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory”.
The country's Population and Immigration Bureau said they were denied entry because they intend to “spread hate speech” against Israel.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized the Israeli authorities, calling the move “unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerned.”
But conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Israel has the right to “control its borders”, adding that it is “important” that other countries don't want Labour MPs from other countries.
Yang is a member of MP for Earley and Woodley, and Mohamed, of Sheffield Central, flew to Israel from London Luton Airport and had two aides on Saturday afternoon.
Israeli immigration authorities said Interior Minister Moshe Arbel denied all four passengers after being questioned. It accuses them of traveling “record security forces.”
The Israeli Embassy in London said in a statement on Saturday that the country “does not allow individuals or entities that act against the state and its citizens.”
It said Mohamed and Yang “accused Israel of false claims” and “actively participated in promoting sanctions against Israeli ministers.”
It also said they support campaigns aimed at boycotting the country, “when Israel is in war and under attack on seven fronts.”
The British Foreign Ministry said the organization was part of a parliamentary delegation. However, Israel's immigration agency said the delegation has not yet been recognized by Israeli officials.
The Israeli embassy said MPs “rejected hotel accommodation for them” and covered the return fee for a flight to the UK.
Israel's Interior Ministry said members of Congress left the country earlier Sunday.
Mohamed and Yang said their trip was organized with British charities that “have more than a decade of experience in parliamentary delegations”.
“We are two of the two MPs who have spoken in parliament in recent months about the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law,” the MP said in a joint statement.
“The MP should be at will to tell the truth in the House of Commons without worrying about being targeted.”
Rami said the Foreign Ministry had been in touch with the two MPs, adding: “I have told colleagues in the Israeli government that this is not a way to treat British MPs.”
Arab-British Understanding of Palestinians and Medical Assistance Council (the latter is a registered British charity) said in a joint statement that they had organized the trip.
“This visit is part of the long-term plan,” they said.
“When questioned, the group was clear, open and transparent about the purpose and objectives of the visit, which included visits a range of projects operated by humanitarians and in the West Bank.
“The organization has provided a visit to the British Consul General in Jerusalem and plans to meet with them as part of the itinerary.”
Yang and Mohamed – first elected in 2024 – have intervened several times in the Israel-Hamas conflict in parliament.
In February, Mohamed launched a cross-party letter signed by 61 MPs and the House of Lords calling for a ban on Israeli goods in the Palestinian territory and a comment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
She also criticized Israel for hiding humanitarian aid from Gaza lands, and told the House of Commons in October that international law “banned civilians as a way of war” and referred to humanitarian organizations’ claims on “ethnic cleanliness” on the ground in Gaza.
In January, Yang made a speech to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers Itama Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich after they recommended the establishment of Israeli settlements in northern Gaza to encourage Palestinians to leave.
She also highlighted the dangerous conditions facing journalists and medical professionals when facing the Palestinian Territory.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC Sunday on Sunday that countries “should be able to control borders” when asked about Israel’s decision.
“I think it’s shocking that we have working MPs [who] “Other countries can't pass. I think it's important,” Badennock said.
Emily Thornberry, the labor chairman of the Foreign Affairs Choice Committee, declined her comment, who called Young and Mohammed “a highly respected MP” and “potential leaders.”
She told the plan: “It is highly recommended that Israel try to alienate them, humiliate them and treat them in this way.”
“I think it's an insult to the UK, I think it's an insult to Parliament.”
Sir Ed Davey accused Badenoch of “another totally shocking”.
The Liberal Democratic leader said she “re-expressed incredibly bad judgement because they did not support the judgment of two British MPs refusing to enter Israel”.
Lammy called Badenoch’s comment “shamed” and asked her: “Did you say the same thing to China’s ban on Conservative MPs?”
During the war in Gaza, protests, violence and attacks occurred in Israeli forces in the West Bank. Hundreds of people died there.
Israeli forces carried out a long-term operation in the occupied Palestinian territory, and two Palestinians were killed on Friday.
The current war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas combatants launched an unexpected attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.
Since then, Hamas in Gaza – Ministry of Operations and Health said more than 50,000 people have been killed. It said 1,309 people have died since the ceasefire on March 18.
“The focus of the British government is still on ensuring a return to a ceasefire and negotiations are conducted to stop the bloodshed, release the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza,” Rami said.
