Earlier this week, I was denied entry into Israel as part of a humanitarian parliamentary delegation organized by the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding (CAABU). This organization is one of the most active and respected groups working on Middle East issues within the British Parliament, focusing on conflict resolution, human rights, and civil society.
Along with my parliamentary colleague Simon Opher, who is also a doctor like me, I had intended to learn about the state of healthcare for Palestinians in the West Bank. Unfortunately, we never made it into Israel, much less visited any hospitals in the occupied territories.
Instead, I was only able to see the no man’s land at the Sheikh Hussein border crossing, where the Jordan River has dwindled to a mere trickle. As I waited for the border officials to decide my fate, I finished the small bag of KP nuts I had brought to eat and reflected on how far Israel has strayed under its current government—almost to the point of being unrecognizable.
This isn’t the first time Israel has denied entry to British parliamentarians; two of my colleagues faced the same situation in April. While I don’t defend their removal, my own case feels different.
It highlights how isolated the Israeli government has become. It saddens me to say that Israel today seems a far cry from the inclusive, pluralistic, open, and democratic principles it was founded on in 1948.
I am Jewish, one of only about a dozen Jewish members of the House of Commons. I first visited Israel as an idealistic medical student and have returned many times for happy holidays with family who live there. I’m also a member of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and a committed supporter of my local synagogue.
The official Israeli document denying my entry cited “public security or public safety or public order considerations,” without any explanation of how I, a 67-year-old former ear, nose, and throat surgeon from Suffolk, could possibly pose a threat.
I joined this delegation to speak with doctors, patients, and medical charities on the ground and to deepen my understanding of the devastating events in the Middle East and their impact on healthcare. As parliamentarians, it’s our responsibility to be as informed as possible.
For months, we’ve seen devastating images on our TV screens as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfolds. Transparency is essential for working toward a peaceful solution to this terrible war. Only through dialogue and understanding can we hope for peace. Progress depends on openness and honesty.
Gaza is already completely closed off to journalists, diplomats, and human rights advocates. Now, parliamentarians are being barred from the West Bank as well.
A cousin texted me as I returned home: “It shows everything that’s wrong with the regime and how it’s being indulged.”
My admiration goes out to the many British doctors and healthcare workers who have traveled to the region to work under such difficult conditions.I continue to admire those who work tirelessly in terrible conditions to care for people affected by the war. Unfortunately, I was unable to express that admiration in person or share what I saw and learned on the ground with my colleagues back in the UK.
For a generation of Jews, Israel once stood as a symbol of hope. It deeply saddens me to say that the current Israeli government is now undermining the friendships we in the Jewish community once believed would last forever.
As I got into a car to return to Amman, Jordan, less than a day after arriving, I was left wondering: what has happened to the state of Israel?
Peter Prinsley is the Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic framed from the perspective of someone who has read or is about to read the account
General Context
Q Who is this person and why is their perspective unique
A They are a sitting British Member of Parliament a qualified medical doctor and of Jewish faith This combination of a political role a scientific profession and a personal religious identity makes their experience particularly noteworthy
Q Why were they trying to enter Israel
A While the specific reason isnt stated here common reasons for an MPs visit could include a diplomatic delegation factfinding mission or attending a conference related to their work
Q Is it common for people to be denied entry to Israel
A Yes Israel has strict security and border control policies Denials can happen for various reasons including political activism ancestry or perceived security threats and often generate controversy
About the Experience
Q What exactly happened when they tried to enter
A Based on the title they were likely detained questioned and ultimately denied entry by Israeli border authorities despite their credentials
Q Why would Israel deny entry to a Jewish MP Doesnt Israel have a Right of Return for Jewish people
A The Law of Return grants the right to immigrate and gain citizenship to Jews However this is different from the right for any individual including Jews to enter the country as a tourist or visitor which is subject to the discretion of border security officials who assess security risks
Q What reasons might border security have given for the denial
A Officials rarely give detailed public reasons It could be related to the MPs political views votes or associations which security agencies might view as a risk
Q Was this related to their role as a doctor
A Its highly unlikely The denial was almost certainly related to their identity as a politician and their public stances not their medical profession
Implications and Aftermath
Q What are the diplomatic implications of denying a foreign MP entry
A It can cause a significant diplomatic incident The UK government may issue a formal protest characterizing the move as an affront to parliamentary sovereignty and damaging to the bilateral relationship
