Independent MP Shawkat Adam and Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George told Anadolu Agency that they were interrogated by Israeli border guards upon entering the Palestinian territories, questioned, and briefly detained before being allowed to cross.
Adam said his colleague George was temporarily returned while they were crossing the border, while he was subjected to a ten-minute interrogation.
During their tour of the West Bank, the two representatives said they witnessed blatant discrimination against Palestinians, describing life there as akin to an "open-air prison," with military checkpoints rife and Palestinian movement severely restricted.
The two representatives noted their encounters with armed settlers who had forcibly seized Palestinian land. The settlers displayed blatant aggression, backed by Israeli forces, and did not hesitate to verbally and physically assault Palestinians in broad daylight, particularly in the city of Hebron.
Shawkat Adam stressed that the violations he witnessed in the West Bank were "heartbreaking," and that the continuation of the occupation in this manner requires urgent international action.
He stressed the importance of Britain and other countries recognizing the State of Palestine and imposing economic, military, and cultural sanctions on Israel until it complies with international law. He also criticized Israel's prevention of humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, describing it as "inhumane."
For his part, Representative Andrew George expressed his shock at the extent of the pressures Palestinians face daily, saying that the isolation imposed on them and the restrictions on their lives represent a clear violation of basic rights. He explained that the scenes of checkpoints, interrogations, and daily restrictions revealed to him a reality even harsher than he had imagined, emphasizing that the continuation of these policies will only lead to further escalation and suffering.
Concluding their remarks, the two representatives called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank, along with the release of prisoners and detainees, warning that continued Israeli aggression will not bring security to any party. George emphasized that building true peace begins with ending the occupation and guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian people.
It should be noted that Israel, with full American support, has continued its genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 168,000 Palestinians and the injury of tens of thousands more, amid tragic humanitarian conditions that are worsening by the day.