04/16/12

Permalink Israel blocks entry to pro-Palestinian activists at airport


Freedom of expresssion in Israel: Israeli police destroy a
banner saying 'Welcome to Palestine' at Ben Gurion airport
near Tel Aviv.
( Photo: Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Dozens of international pro-Palestinian activists have been refused entry into Israel in a large-scale security operation that ensured a high profile for the protesters' attempted show of solidarity with the people of the West Bank.

About 650 police officers, some in plain clothes, patrolled Ben Gurion airport on Sunday ready "to prevent disturbances and disruption", according to police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

Around 50 passengers had been detained and interrogated by mid-afternoon, with many more flights expected during the early evening. Nine people were immediately deported, and a small number were allowed entry to Israel. Those suspected of being pro-Palestinian activists were taken first to a smaller terminal, with a "Welcome to Israel" sign above its doors, for interrogation and from there to a nearby prison. At least four Israeli sympathisers who unfurled a banner reading "Welcome to Palestine" in the arrivals hall were arrested.

PressTV: Israel arrests 40 pro-Palestine activists at Ben Gurion Airport

STP: Israel to pro-Palestine deportees: ‘There are other worthy choices to protest’ - For a country that calls itself the “Middle East’s sole democracy”, political thought and expression means nothing unless it conforms exactly to the government’s idea of things. The contract, first published by +972 Magazine, is explicit in saying that pro-Palestinian sentiments are not welcome. In fact, they are cause for deportation.

Ynet News: Activists accuse Israel, Air France of racism - French organizers of fly-in claim one female passenger wasn't allowed to depart from Nice as she was neither an Israeli citizen nor a Jew. Israel refused to allow a total of 78 foreign activists to the country Israel on Sunday. Only a few pro-Palestinian activists managed to overcome airport scrutiny and reach Bethlehem. The activists include 51 French citizens, 11 Brits, six Italians, five Canadians, two Spanish citizens and citizens from the US, Portugal and Switzerland. Some of the activists have already been sent back to their countries of origin and more than 50 were taken to the Givon holding facility for illegal aliens. More than 30 of the detainees are French and the rest are from Canada, Italy, Britain and other countries.

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