Israel bans 40 Euro-Med activists from entry over alleged Hamas ties

Israel has barred 40 activists from the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor from entering the country, citing alleged ties to Hamas and promotion of anti-Israel campaigns. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism stated that the organization uses a "human rights" guise to advance terrorist activity.

Among those banned is Ramy Abdu, the organization's founder and chairman, whom the ministry identified as a Hamas operative. "The days when humanitarian cover could be exploited to promote terrorism are over," said Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli. He vowed to "expose, thwart, and act against any entity operating against the State of Israel."

The ministry also launched a dedicated website detailing its accusations against Euro-Med. It claims the organization, registered in Switzerland and operating from Geneva, focuses its efforts on harming Israel's interests through delegitimization campaigns and boycotts, including at the International Court of Justice. The ministry's report gained attention after journalist Nicholas Kristof cited Euro-Med data in a New York Times article about alleged sexual violence against Palestinians.

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The days when humanitarian cover could be exploited to promote terrorism are over. We will continue to expose, thwart, and act against any entity operating against the State of Israel, regardless of the name behind which it chooses to hide.