Political Tensions Escalate After Two Labour MPs Deported from Israel

A diplomatic controversy has erupted following the deportation of two Labour MPs from Israel, a move that has sparked fierce political debate in the UK. Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were barred from entering Israel and subsequently deported after Israeli officials accused them of intending to spread “anti-Israel hatred” and document the activities of Israeli security forces. The MPs, who were traveling on a parliamentary delegation organized by the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), expressed their shock at the decision, labeling it an unprecedented action by Israeli authorities.

The Israeli immigration ministry stated that the MPs, along with their assistants, were found to have no official backing for their visit, contradicting their claims of participating in a parliamentary delegation. The embassy further accused the MPs of being actively involved in promoting anti-Israel campaigns, including support for sanctions against Israeli ministers and boycotts of the state of Israel.

The deportation has caused a political firestorm, with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemning the treatment of the MPs. Lammy called it “unacceptable” and “counterproductive,” stating that the Israeli government’s actions were damaging to diplomatic relations between the UK and Israel. He also emphasized that parliamentarians should be free to travel and witness the situation firsthand without fear of retaliation for their political stances.

The MPs, in their joint statement, expressed their disappointment, stating that they traveled to Israel to visit humanitarian aid projects and communities in the West Bank. They argued that it was vital for parliamentarians to witness the situation in occupied Palestinian territories to make informed decisions. They also stated that their visit was intended to further understand the humanitarian challenges on the ground, not to spread falsehoods about Israel.

Labour MPs, including Emily Thornberry, criticized Israel’s decision as a “grave insult” to both the UK and Parliament, urging Israel to engage in dialogue rather than alienating MPs who wish to understand the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Labour Friends of Israel also condemned the deportation, emphasizing the importance of parliamentarians having the ability to visit and understand the region.

The UK government has expressed support for the MPs, with Lammy reaffirming that the UK’s focus remains on securing peace in Gaza, urging Israel to reconsider its stance and engage more constructively with international criticism.