David Lammy Attacks Israel for Holding Two Labour Lawmakers

David Lammy has blasted Israel for refusing Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed admission, saying it is intolerable.

Israeli officials have come under fire from Foreign Secretary David Lammy for holding and refusing admission to two British Labour MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, when they arrived in Israel on Saturday.

The UK Foreign Office has contacted the MPs to provide support, Lammy said, calling the action “unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning.”

The MPs and two aides were denied admission, according to Israeli media, on charges that they planned to disseminate “hateful rhetoric” against Israel. The MPs were described as a possible threat to public order by the Israeli immigration and population administration.

Lammy, who has been outspoken on foreign policy issues, said he was unhappy with how British lawmakers were treated. “I have communicated to my Israeli government counterparts that this is not how British Parliamentarians should be treated,” he stated.

A parliamentary delegation from the UK included Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed and Earley and Woodley MP Yuan Yang. Despite the group’s official status, it has been stated that Israeli authorities failed to confirm the visit’s objective and chose to refuse admittance after questioning Interior Minister Moshe Arbel.

Although it did not specify the exact reason for their visit, the UK Foreign Office acknowledged that the group was in fact a member of a parliamentary delegation. Lammy underlined in a statement the UK government’s continued commitment to negotiating a ceasefire and resolving the current violence in Gaza. “To stop the bloodshed, free the hostages, and end the conflict in Gaza, the UK government is still focused on securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations,” he stated.

These MPs’ detention has spurred discussion on diplomatic behavior and how foreign officials should be treated, and it coincides with increased tensions over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.