British politicians held by Israeli authorities after 'trying to enter the West Bank to meet olive farmers'
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Two Scottish politicians were held by Israeli authorities after trying to enter the West Bank to meet olive farmers.
SNP MP Lara Bird and Green MSP Kate Nevens along with other politicians from across Europe were 'denied entry' as they attempted to cross into Palestinian territory from Jordan yesterday.
Ms Bird last night claimed the group was 'held for eight hours, interrogated and ultimately prevented from crossing the border'.
Writing on social media platform X, the MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, said: 'I came to stand alongside Palestinians being attacked for harvesting olives on their own land. Instead, we were turned away, with no reason given.
'It is more important now than ever that we bear witness and show our solidarity. But we were prevented from doing so.'
The group, which included Labour MP Clive Lewis, were said to have been travelling as part of a Progressive International delegation.
Mr Lewis posted on X: 'Today Israeli authorities barred me and other European elected representatives from entering the West Bank to meet Palestinian students and civil society leaders.
'We knew that by crossing into the occupied Palestinian territories, we risked being detained, interrogated and turned away by Israeli authorities. And that, alas, is exactly what happened.'
Green MSP Kate Nevens was one of two Scottish MPs held by Israeli authorities after trying to enter the West Bank to meet olive farmers
SNP MP Lara Bird was also 'denied entry' after the group attempted to cross into Palestinian territory from Jordan yesterday
Labour MP Clive Lewis was part of the group said to have been travelling as part of a Progressive International delegation
An SNP spokesperson told The Scottish Sun: 'We are aware that a cross-party and international group of politicians – including Lara Bird MP – has been prevented from entering the occupied West Bank of Palestine.
'The international delegation were due to meet and accompany Palestinian farmers facing escalating Israeli settler violence during the olive harvest.
'The SNP is proud to stand with the Palestinian people – the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing oppression in the West Bank needs to be constantly brought to the world's attention.
'Our party and our politicians will continue to do all we can to apply maximum pressure on the Netanyahu government who are responsible for that persecution of the Palestinian people.'
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