Denying two MPs entry to Israel 'unacceptable', says Lammy

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has criticised Israeli authorities after two Labour MPs were denied entry to the country, describing the move as "unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning".

Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang were refused entry because they intended to spread "hateful rhetoric" against Israel, the Israeli population and immigration authority said in a statement reported by Israeli media.

Lammy said: "I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians."

He said the foreign office had been in touch with both MPs to offer support.

Ms Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, and Ms Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, flew to the country from Luton airport on Saturday with two aides, according to reports.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel denied entry to all four individuals following an interrogation, the population authority said according to the Times of Israel.

The paper reported Israel had not verified the arrival of an official visit but in a statement the UK Foreign Office confirmed the group was part of a parliamentary delegation.

"The UK government's focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza," Lammy said in a statement.

The BBC has approached the Israeli population and immigration authority for comment.