Israel blocks entry to 40 pro-Palestinian activists

Israeli police Sunday stationed around 650 policemen at Ben Gurion airport to stop international pro-Palestinian activists’ entry to Israel on their way to Bethlehem as part of the “welcome to Palestine” campaign. The activists aimed to arrive at the West Bank to participate in protests against the illegal settlement activities and stand with the Palestinian people. However, European airlines canceled around 60% of flights bookings in response to requests made by Israel, claiming that such campaign aims to disturb peace. Tens of activities protested at Paris airport when they received notifications that their flights were canceled. Activists stated that their intentions are peaceful, aiming to protest for the well fare of Palestinians and not fight Israel. Israel is going to hand out brochures to the activists asking them to protest against Syria, Iran and Hamas instead of protesting against the “the Middle East’s sole-democracy .”