Key facts
- Delegation of 23 international individuals, including British politicians, barred from West Bank.
- Detained and interrogated by Israeli forces at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge for nine hours.
- Trip aimed to meet Palestinian children, farmers, and society leaders amid escalating violence.
- Organized by Progressive International in partnership with Birzeit University.
- Israeli forces and settlers reported to have attacked Palestinian olive farmers and volunteers.
A delegation of 23 international individuals, including British politicians, was detained and denied entry into the West Bank by Israeli forces at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge. The group, which included four elected representatives from countries such as France, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Greece, Holland, Ireland, and the US, was on a trip organized by Progressive International. They intended to participate in the Second Ramallah Congress and engage with Palestinian communities, children, farmers, and society leaders. Delegates reported being interrogated and described the experience as deeply unpleasant. Sam Tarry, a former Labour MP, suggested the decision was political, aimed at preventing witnesses to events in the West Bank, particularly ahead of elections. The exclusions occurred amid reports of escalating violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian olive farmers and international volunteers during the olive harvest season.