Israel revokes visas for 27 French parliamentarians over pro-Palestinian stance

Israel has revoked the entry visas of 27 French parliamentarians and officials just two days before their planned visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The delegation, consisting of French left-wing parliamentarians and elected officials, was scheduled to visit from April 20 to 24. Among those affected are MPs François Ruffin, Alexis Corbière, Julie Ozenne (an ecologist), Soumya Bourouaha (a communist), and Senator Marianne Margaté (also a communist), Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

The delegation condemned the move, calling it "collective punishment" and demanding that French President Emmanuel Macron intervene. The group, which had been invited by the French Consulate in Jerusalem, emphasised that their missions over the past 35 years have been crucial in strengthening international cooperation and promoting a culture of peace.

In a joint press release, the 17 affected members of the delegation expressed shock at the sudden revocation of their visas, which had been approved a month prior. "For the first time, two days before our departure, the Israeli authorities canceled our entry visas," they wrote. "This revocation represents a major rupture in diplomatic ties with the French state and undermines our mandates as elected representatives of the Republic."

The officials also underscored their longstanding support for Palestinian statehood and France's anticipated recognition of the Palestinian state, which President Macron recently indicated might occur in June. This recognition is to be discussed at a conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely opposed such a move, labeling it "a huge reward for terrorism."

In their statement, the French delegation called for clarity on the situation and requested a meeting with President Macron to discuss the matter. They also urged Macron to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to allow the delegation to reschedule their visit. The group will hold a press conference in Paris on April 22 to further address the issue.

In a similar incident earlier this month, Israel turned away two Labour MPs from the UK as they attempted to enter Tel Aviv airport, drawing condemnation from the British government.

The Israeli Interior Ministry confirmed the visa revocations, citing a law that prohibits entry to individuals seen as acting against the State of Israel.

By Khagan Isayev