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Norwich MP Clive Lewis Detained for Eight Hours by Israeli Authorities

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 21:22

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis says Israeli authorities detained him for eight hours, denying entry to the occupied West Bank.

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis has criticised Israeli authorities after being detained for more than eight hours and refused entry to the occupied West Bank.

The Labour politician was travelling with an international delegation of 23 people on Monday 26 October, intending to meet Palestinian communities and support farmers during the annual olive harvest.

The group, organised by Progressive International, included politicians from several European countries and had planned to visit Birzeit University and meet Palestinian students, academics and community representatives.

However, delegates were stopped at the Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank, where they say they were questioned extensively before being turned away.

Mr Lewis said the experience had been deeply unpleasant and insisted the delegation had done nothing wrong.

He said the visit was intended to show solidarity with Palestinian communities and highlight concerns about violence affecting farmers during the olive harvest.

Other politicians detained included SNP MP Lara Bird and Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has expressed concern about the incident, confirming that the British government has raised the matter with Israeli authorities.

Mr Lewis says the experience has strengthened his determination to speak publicly about conditions in the West Bank and the treatment of Palestinian communities.

Israeli authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for refusing the delegation entry.

 

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