Israel barred an international delegation of 23 individuals, including Western politicians, from entering the occupied West Bank on a visit scheduled to meet Palestinian children, farmers, and civil society representatives. The delegation, composed of members from Britain, Switzerland, the United States, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, was prevented from crossing into the West Bank via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan.
The group was en route to attend the Second Ramallah Congress organized by Progressive International in partnership with Birzeit University. The event was designed as a platform for Palestinian academics, students, and civil society leaders to discuss opposition to Israel’s occupation.
Among those denied entry was Clive Lewis, a UK Labour Party MP, who described the experience as “deeply unpleasant,” noting that delegation members were detained, interrogated, and confronted with questions about their intentions and the narratives they planned to present. Former Labour MP Sam Tarry characterized the Israeli authorities’ refusal as a deliberate political decision aimed at preventing external witnesses from observing conditions in the West Bank, especially in the run-up to Israeli elections.
The incident occurs amid a backdrop of escalating violence in the occupied territory. The United Nations reported at least 160 attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the first half of October. Israeli forces have also targeted foreign media and diplomats accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive-harvest season. Earlier this month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed officials to enforce exclusion orders on activists traveling to the region during this period, according to local media.
Lara Bird, a Scottish National Party MP, expressed frustration after being denied entry. She emphasized the importance of international solidarity with Palestinians facing violence during the olive harvest and questioned why Israeli authorities would block observers if they had nothing to hide.
Laila Hazaineh, political coordinator for Progressive International, affirmed the delegation’s commitment to continuing efforts to engage with Palestinian communities despite the restrictions, stating that refusals of entry only strengthen their resolve to participate in the olive harvest and related activities.
Israeli officials have not publicly elaborated on the reasons for the delegation’s denied access. The incident underscores ongoing tensions and challenges faced by international observers seeking to monitor developments in the West Bank amidst heightened hostilities.