Israel Deports Two European Peace Activists After West Bank Arrests

Israeli authorities arrested and issued deportation orders to two international peace activists from Sweden and Ireland after they entered a closed Israeli military firing zone near the settlement of Maon in the southern West Bank. The activists, affiliated with the anti-Israel International Solidarity Movement, were accused of violating military orders and engaging in anti-Israel activities, including protesting the demolition of an illegal Palestinian encampment within the firing zone. One activist accepted the deportation ruling, while the other appealed, leading to both being detained in Givon Prison pending the appeal's outcome. Israeli police emphasized their commitment to preventing subversive activities by foreign nationals and maintaining control over the occupied territories. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Israel barring or deporting foreign activists and political figures supporting Palestinians amid ongoing military operations and settlement disputes in the West Bank. The deportations drew criticism from supporters of the activists who view their actions as solidarity with Palestinians facing occupation and violence.