UK bans Palestinian-American activist flagged by antisemitism watchdog

The UK Home Office revoked the Electronic Travel Authorization of Palestinian-American activist Moath Hamzeh, vice-chair of UK charity Sun of Freedom, citing his presence would not be 'conducive to the public good.' The decision followed a report by UK Lawyers for Israel based on findings by watchdog GnasherJew alleging antisemitic rhetoric on Hamzeh's social media. Hamzeh has denied the allegations, calling the ban 'blatantly discriminatory.'

The UK Home Office has revoked the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) of Palestinian-American activist Moath Hamzeh, vice-chair of the UK-registered charity Sun of Freedom, barring him from entering the country. The decision, announced by Hamzeh on Wednesday, was made on grounds that his presence would not be 'conducive to the public good.' Hamzeh was scheduled to travel to London to speak at a fundraising event for Sun of Freedom on November 6 and a documentary screening on November 14. The Home Office intervention followed a report submitted in October by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), which drew on findings by online watchdog GnasherJew alleging that Hamzeh published antisemitic conspiracy theories, dehumanizing language, and threats of violence across his social media accounts. The allegations include videos promoting conspiracy theories about Jewish control, referring to Zionism as a 'cancer,' and making threats against Israelis. Hamzeh has denied the allegations, calling the ban 'blatantly discriminatory' and stating he will participate in the London event virtually. UKLFI has also urged the Charity Commission to remove Hamzeh as a trustee of Sun of Freedom, which is already under regulatory review.