British Politicians Detained Attempting to Enter West Bank
SNP MP Lara Bird and Green MSP Kate Nevens, alongside Labour MP Clive Lewis, were held for eight hours by Israeli authorities.
Two Scottish politicians and a Labour MP were detained and denied entry into the West Bank by Israeli authorities while attempting to cross from Jordan. SNP MP Lara Bird and Green MSP Kate Nevens, along with Labour MP Clive Lewis, were part of a delegation aiming to meet with Palestinian olive farmers.
Bird stated on social media that the group was held for eight hours, interrogated, and ultimately prevented from crossing the border. She intended to stand with Palestinians harvesting olives on their land, but claimed the group was turned away without a stated reason. Bird emphasized the importance of bearing witness and showing solidarity, a mission they were prevented from undertaking.
Clive Lewis also reported on social media that Israeli authorities barred him and other European elected representatives from entering the West Bank to meet with Palestinian students and civil society leaders. He acknowledged the risk of detention and being turned away when attempting to cross into the occupied Palestinian territories, a risk that materialized.
The delegation was reportedly traveling as part of a Progressive International group. An SNP spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the international delegation was scheduled to meet and accompany Palestinian farmers facing increased violence from Israeli settlers during the olive harvest season.
The SNP spokesperson added that the party stands with the Palestinian people and highlighted the need to bring global attention to the ongoing events in Gaza and the West Bank, holding the Netanyahu government responsible for the persecution of Palestinians.