Israel Bars Barcelona Mayor After City Cuts Ties Amid Gaza War

Israel has barred Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni from entering the country, citing his involvement in a boycott campaign and anti-Israel statements, following Barcelona's city council decision to sever ties with the Israeli government and suspend its friendship agreement with Tel Aviv. The Population and Immigration Authority, in coordination with Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council, denied Collboni's entry under the Entry into Israel Law. Collboni had planned to visit Yad Vashem and Palestinian areas including Bethlehem and Ramallah, but canceled his trip after the refusal. Barcelona's council vote in May 2024 was prompted by alleged Israeli violations of international law and human rights abuses in Gaza, leading to economic and diplomatic measures against Israel. This move aligns with similar actions by countries like Spain, Ireland, and Turkey, which have expanded trade restrictions and recognized Palestinian statehood while criticizing Israel's conduct in Gaza. Israel has also recently barred other foreign officials critical of its policies from entering, reflecting heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict.