SNP MP and Scottish Green MSP detained by Israel after trying to enter Palestine

An SNP MP and a Scottish Green MP have been detained by Israel for eight hours and refused entry to Palestine.

Lara Bird, the SNP MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, said she was attempting to enter the West Bank via Jordan when she said she was stopped by Israeli authorities and held.

She had been part of an international delegation organised by Global Justice Now for Progressive International’s Second Ramallah Congress, in partnership with Birzeit University.

The SNP politician was stopped at the Allenby Bridge crossing, alongside Scottish Green MSP Kate Nevens and other members of the group.

In a social media post, Bird said the group was held and interrogated before being refused entry.

They had intended to attend the Progressive International’s Second Ramallah Congress, meet Palestinian students at Birzeit University and join local farmers during the olive harvest.

The Israeli-controlled crossing links Jordan and the occupied West Bank.

The delegation, which will now be returned to Jordan, also included Clive Lewis MP, former MP Sam Tarry, and Josu Estarrona Elizondo, a member of Spain’s Senate representing EH Bildu.

Bird said: “Today I was denied entry into the West Bank, alongside other parliamentary colleagues from across Europe as part of a @progintl_en delegation.

“We were held for eight hours, interrogated and ultimately prevented from crossing the border.

“I came to stand alongside Palestinians being attacked for harvesting olives on their own land. Instead, we were turned away at the border with no reason given.

“More than ever, Palestinians are being subject to terror and violence by the IDF and illegal settlers. Increased blockades, demolitions and unthinkable violence have become the norm for Palestinians in the West Bank.

“It is more important now than ever that we bear witness and show our solidarity. But we were prevented from doing so. If Israel has nothing to hide, why is it so determined to stop us seeing what is happening in the Occupied West Bank?”

Kate Nevens added: “Last night, I was refused entry to Palestine alongside an international delegation of activists and elected representatives. We were detained and interrogated for eight hours before being turned away by Israeli forces.

“We had travelled to the West Bank to stand in solidarity with Palestinians facing escalating violence, and to join the olive harvesters. We went to bear witness, to listen to Palestinian communities and to help shine a light on the abuses taking place.

“The Israeli forces didn’t want us to see the demolished homes, or the settlers inflicting so much misery or the day to day indignities that are so central to the occupation.

“Across the Edinburgh and Lothians East region that I represent, and all throughout Scotland, there are thousands of people who feel a deep sense of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“Many are horrified by the ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide being waged against them, and they want to see an end to the violence, dispossession and denial of Palestinian rights.

“Being detained was frightening, but, ultimately, we were able to leave safely. For Palestinians, far greater restrictions and state intimidation and violence are part of everyday life.

“What we experienced was only a small fraction of the terrifying reality Palestinians face when they try to cross the same border to reach their families or simply go about their lives.

“Palestinians must not be abandoned or left to face these abuses in silence.”