British Politicians Detained Attempting to Enter West Bank

Two Scottish politicians, SNP MP Lara Bird and Green MSP Kate Nevens, were held by Israeli authorities for eight hours after attempting to cross into the West Bank to meet olive farmers. They were part of a delegation of European politicians traveling under the banner of Progressive International.

Ms. Bird stated on social media that the group was interrogated and ultimately prevented from crossing the border from Jordan, with no specific reason given for the denial of entry. She expressed a desire to stand with Palestinians facing attacks while harvesting olives on their land and to bear witness to the situation. "It is more important now than ever that we bear witness and show our solidarity. But we were prevented from doing so," she wrote.

Labour MP Clive Lewis, also part of the delegation, confirmed on social media that he and other European elected representatives were barred from entering the occupied Palestinian territories. He acknowledged the risk of detention and interrogation, which he stated was what transpired.

An SNP spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the delegation was scheduled to meet and accompany Palestinian farmers who are reportedly facing escalating violence from Israeli settlers during the olive harvest. The spokesperson emphasized the SNP's support for the Palestinian people and called for continued international attention to the events in Gaza and the West Bank, attributing responsibility to the Netanyahu government for the "persecution of the Palestinian people."