“Israel’s decision to bar your entry to the country is both outrageous and predictable. Alongside the genocidal war in Gaza, we in Israel have witnessed, over the past 18 months, a rapid descent into dictatorship and fascism,” said Hadash MK Aida Touma-Sliman in a letter sent Monday, April 21, to French lawmakers.

“The politicians targeted are consistently from the political left, known for advocating for the rights of Palestinians as well as Israelis. I was about to meet with them during the visit and update them about the dangerous processes in Israel today.” Israel’s interior ministry said visas for the 27 had been cancelled under a law that allows authorities to “ban people who could act against the state of Israel.”

Hadash MKs Aida Touma-Sliman, Yousef Atawneh and Ofer Cassif met with the British Ambassador in Israel, Simon Walters. “We discussed Israel’s war of destruction in Gaza, the humanitarian catastrophe it has created, and the urgent need for a principled and active stance from the UK” Touma-Sliman reported, April 16, 2025 (Photo: Al Ittihad)

“We were encouraged by President Macron’s recent statement suggesting that France may recognize a Palestinian state. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, recognition by France would carry significant weight and send a powerful message against annexation and forced displacement. The international coalition that France is helping to build in support of Palestinian statehood could serve as a crucial counterforce to the rising tide of global fascism. Therefore, we urge you to demand strong action from the French President in response to your exclusion, and to press for this moment to accelerate French efforts against occupation and apartheid – including the official recognition of Palestine,” Touma-Sliman agreed.

A statement from the delegation, issued in Partis on Monday, indicated that the French consulate in Jerusalem had extended an invitation for a five-day visit aimed at “promoting international cooperation and a culture of peace” in the Palestinian territories and Israel. This measure comes just days after Israel barred two British MPs from the ruling Labour Party from entering Israel.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32607