Israel Blocks Pro-Palestinian Protestors From Entering Country, Deports American Activists
- Posted on July 8, 2011 at 6:30am by
Billy Hallowell
TEL AVIV, Israel (The Blaze/AP) — Scores of pro-Palestinian protesters trying to reach Israel were blocked at airports in Europe and two American activists who arrived in Israel were deported early Friday, Israeli officials said. On Thursday, The Blaze first reported on Israel’s attempts to block these protestors from reaching the country.
Israel increased security at Ben-Gurion International Airport ahead of the activists’ arrival and asked foreign airlines to prevent blacklisted travelers from boarding Israel-bound flights, as hundreds said they would travel to Israel to protest Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.
At Israel’s request, several airlines barred about 200 would-be protesters from boarding flights to Israel from Europe, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
“The companies did not allow them on the airplanes because we told them clearly they wouldn’t be able to enter Israel,” Rosenfeld said.
A list viewed at the airport by The Associated Press read: “Attached is a list of passengers who will be refused entry to Israel.”
Protesters subsequently gathered in the terminal and shouted “Boycott Israel,” as French police stood by.
Two activists arrived in Israel from Greece overnight and were deported, said Foreign Ministry official Oded Ben-Hur. He identified them as Americans who had initially planned to join a protest flotilla that had intended to sail to the Gaza Strip but was foiled by the Greek government. (could that be Code Pink? ~ Mellie) Read the Rest of this Article at TheBlaze
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