Israeli Ministry Recommends Entry Restrictions

According to the document seen by Al Jazeera, Israeli authorities recommended that border officials prevent employees and activists linked to the named organisations from entering Israel.

The letter accuses several groups of supporting measures such as boycotts and sanctions against Israel. It also makes allegations involving advocacy for humanitarian engagement with Hamas, calls for an arms embargo and alleged links with organisations that Israel considers terrorist groups.

The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment.

Friends of Al-Aqsa Rejects the Threat

Ismail Patel, founder of Friends of Al-Aqsa, said his organisation would not be intimidated by the proposed restrictions.

Patel's organisation supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The Israeli letter accuses him of participating in demonstrations against Israel in London and making strong public statements critical of the Israeli government.

Patel said the possibility of being banned because of the group's BDS activities showed, in his view, that the campaign was having an impact.

Israel Warned the UK of ‘Consequences’

The Israeli move follows earlier warnings directed at the UK over its policies toward Israel and Israeli settlements.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously warned that what it described as hostile British measures could lead to consequences. After the UK announced its trade restrictions, Israel took several measures affecting British officials and cooperation.

These included barring 11 British MPs and a lawyer from entering Israel, announcing the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and ending British training of Palestinian Authority security forces in the occupied West Bank.

Charities Raise Humanitarian Concerns

Save the Children said international organisations were already facing difficulties obtaining visas for staff who need to cross Israeli-controlled borders to reach Gaza or the West Bank.

Medical Aid for Palestinians also criticised the Israeli restrictions, describing the letter as part of broader measures affecting international charities operating in the occupied Palestinian territories.

MAP noted that two of its individuals mentioned in the Israeli document had received humanitarian medals from King Charles.

The organisations say restrictions on international humanitarian workers could affect their ability to provide assistance at a time when humanitarian needs remain significant.

Palestine Action Also Named

The letter also refers to Palestine Action, a group known for direct actions targeting Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori rejected Israel's characterisation of the group, arguing that its activities have focused on damaging the Israeli defence industry rather than terrorism.

Palestine Action was separately proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK, and some of its members have faced legal proceedings related to direct-action activities.

Separate Dispute Involves Doctors Without Borders

The controversy has also expanded to another international humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF.

UK Lawyers for Israel has called on the British government to consider proscribing MSF, citing allegations that some of its employees had links to Palestinian armed groups. MSF rejected the allegations and said it had faced what it described as a disinformation campaign.

The organisation said Israeli authorities had not provided evidence of military involvement by the staff members it accused before their deaths.

Key Points

  • Israel issued a letter recommending entry restrictions against activists and employees linked to several UK and international organisations.
  • The document was dated September 8, when the UK announced restrictions on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
  • Friends of Al-Aqsa said Israeli restrictions would not stop its activities.
  • Charities including Save the Children and Medical Aid for Palestinians raised concerns about restrictions on humanitarian workers.
  • Palestine Action rejected Israel's description of its activities.
  • A separate dispute has emerged over calls to consider Doctors Without Borders for proscription in the UK.

Source

Fyrim Reports and Analysis