Israel bans NI pro-Palestine group from entering state

A GROUP of political activists in Northern Ireland has been banned from entering Israel.

Israel has published a list of groups whose members are barred from entering the country for advocating boycotts over its treatment of the Palestinians.

The ban could affect thousands of people.

One group listed is the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).

It organises here and has branches in Belfast, Armagh, Portadown, Omagh and Londonderry.

In a statement on Facebook, the IPSC said: “The apartheid regime fears solidarity so much it will stop us from visiting our friends and colleagues in Palestine.

“This is a badge of honour, we are in good company, and we will not stop our campaigning work for freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people.”

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain has also been banned, as has the UK anti-poverty charity War On Want and the US-based Jewish Voice For Peace, which counts more than 13,000 members.

Groups from France, Chile and South Africa are also barred, although it is not clear how the ban will be enforced.

Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan said: “The boycott organisations must know that the state of Israel will act against them.

“The creation of this list is another step in our struggle against the incitement and lies of the boycott organisations.”