Tue Feb 25 03:28:27 UTC 2025: ## Israel Denies Entry to Two EU Lawmakers Amidst Rising Tensions

**TEL AVIV, Israel (February 25, 2025)** – Israel barred entry to two European Union parliamentarians on Monday, escalating tensions with the EU over its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lynn Boylan, chair of the EU-Palestine delegation, and Rima Hassan, a member of France Unbowed, were turned away at Ben-Gurion airport and ordered to return to Europe.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel stated that Ms. Hassan’s denial was due to her consistent promotion of boycotts against Israel. No official reason was given for Ms. Boylan’s refusal of entry. Both lawmakers are members of The Left group in the European Parliament, which recently called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement following the International Court of Justice’s investigation into alleged crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.

Ms. Boylan, who planned meetings with Palestinian officials and civil society representatives, condemned Israel’s actions, calling it a “disgraceful move” demonstrating disregard for international law. She further stated that the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable led to this “utter contempt.”

The incident comes amidst a recent Israeli law prohibiting entry to individuals who deny the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack or support prosecuting Israeli soldiers. This law, building upon previous legislation banning entry to those calling for boycotts of Israel, has been criticized as an attempt to silence critics.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, currently on a diplomatic visit to Brussels for the EU-Israel Association Council meeting, acknowledged the criticism Israel faces but stressed that such criticism should not involve delegitimization, demonization, or double standards. The council meeting itself was convened under pressure from Spain and Ireland to consider suspending the forum due to Israel’s actions in Gaza. A rally was held outside EU headquarters in protest of the lawmakers’ denied entry.

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