Statement: Kate Nevens MSP detained by Israeli forces at Palestinian border
Scottish Green MSP Kate Nevens was detained and interrogated for eight hours by Israeli security forces at the border before being denied entry to the West Bank and deported.
Kate was part of an international delegation that included Lara Bird MP, Clive Lewis MP, Josu Estarrona Elizondo, an elected representative from the Basque Country, and political activists from across Europe and the US.
The delegation were travelling to the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinians facing escalating violence, including attacks by settlers and Israeli forces during the olive harvest and the demolition of Palestinian homes. Their aim was to bear witness to the abuses taking place.
As violence against Palestinians intensifies, Kate warned that attempts to shine a light on the situation must not be silenced. Kate and the rest of the delegation are now safe and well.
Kate said:
“Last night, I was refused entry to Palestine alongside an international delegation of activists and elected representatives. We were detained and interrogated for eight hours before being turned away by Israeli forces.
“We had travelled to the West Bank to stand in solidarity with Palestinians facing escalating violence, and to join the olive harvesters. We went to bear witness, to listen to Palestinian communities and to help shine a light on the abuses taking place.
“The Israeli forces didn’t want us to see the demolished homes, or the settlers inflicting so much misery or the day to day indignities that are so central to the occupation.
“Across the Edinburgh and Lothians East region that I represent, and all throughout Scotland, there are thousands of people who feel a deep sense of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“Many are horrified by the ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide being waged against them, and they want to see an end to the violence, dispossession and denial of Palestinian rights.
“Being detained was frightening, but, ultimately, we were able to leave safely. For Palestinians, far greater restrictions and state intimidation and violence are part of everyday life.
“What we experienced was only a small fraction of the terrifying reality Palestinians face when they try to cross the same border to reach their families or simply go about their lives.
“Palestinians must not be abandoned or left to face these abuses in silence.”
View Kate's video at the border here: https://bsky.app/profile/katenevens.bsky.social/post/3mysmzv6nwl2h