Israel has detained two Labour Party lawmakers from the United Kingdom Parliament, denying them entry into the country. After strong condemnation from the British government, the Israeli authorities released the MPs, who are now reportedly returning to London, according to a British minister speaking to Reuters on Sunday.
Citing Israel’s Ministry of Immigration, American news outlet Sky News reported that the two MPs—Ewan Young and Abtisam Mohammed—were part of a UK parliamentary delegation visiting Israel. However, Israeli authorities refused them entry and subsequently detained them.
The report mentioned that the MPs were suspected of documenting Israeli security operations and allegedly planning to spread anti-Israel sentiments.
British Deputy Finance Minister Darren Jones told the BBC that the MPs are now on their way back to the UK. The British Foreign Secretary stated that the way Israeli authorities treated their colleagues was “unacceptable.”
According to Sky News, the two Labour MPs flew from Luton, UK, to Israel on Saturday morning.
In a statement, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, “I have made it clear to the Israeli Foreign Minister that such treatment of British MPs is unacceptable. We have reached out to both MPs this evening to offer our support.”
He added that the UK government remains committed to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, ending the bloodshed, securing the release of hostages, and resuming peace negotiations. However, when asked for comment, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond, reported Reuters.