Two Spanish MEPs were unable to travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They had to transit through Israel, which refused them entry.
By Pauline Hofman
Ihe European Parliament’s mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territories is creating a stir. Two MEPs who were to be part of it were banned from entering Israel, through which they were to pass. The Spaniard Manu Pineda (Left) was warned ahead of the official visit. This is the second time in less than a year that the road has been blocked for this MEP who is very critical of Israeli policy and who has worked in Gaza.
This Tuesday, it was his compatriot Ana Miranda (Greens) who was expelled to Spain. She had just arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv: “A diplomatic affront, a lack of respect for the European Parliament and a sanction for having participated in the international flotilla of 2015”, a boat which tried to break through the blockade maritime regime imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
“We regret the decision to refuse entry to Israel to MEP Ana Miranda. This decision is very disappointing and surprising, since the Israeli authorities had been informed well in advance of the composition of the delegation. His entry had been expressly authorized by the Israeli authorities,” reacted a spokeswoman for the European Commission. “Respect for all MEPs and the European Parliament is essential for good relations between the EU and Israel. And the members of the European Parliament have the right to exercise their mandate. »
