Israel refused entry to 4 European journalists

Israel last week refused entry to four European journalists, including French journalist Sylvain Mercadier, after canceling his visa. It also denied entry to journalists from Italy, Germany, and Britain, and questioned the British journalist about his posts against the war in Gaza.

Israel last week refused entry to four European journalists, including French journalist Sylvain Mercadier, after the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority canceled his entry visa days after issuing it. Mercadier works for the newspaper "L'Humanité," which is close to the French Communist Party, and was arrested by the Israeli army in Syria last year and released after questioning, citing his "proximity to soldiers." The French newspaper reported that this is the first time a state authority has prevented the journalist from entering, and that Israeli authorities did not respond to its inquiries. Israel also denied entry to journalists from Italy, Germany, and Britain. During the questioning of British journalist Skander Karamani, Israeli investigators asked him about his posts on the "X" platform against the war and genocide in Gaza. "Haaretz" noted that the Population and Immigration Authority also refused to respond to its inquiries. The French newspaper published reports based on investigations by civil society organizations indicating that France continues to supply Israel with weapons contrary to the French government's claims, and that the French Foreign Minister announced an investigation following these investigations.