Palestinian Authority and Communist Party of Greece condemn Israel’s deportation of Greek trade unionists

Israeli occupation authorities denied entry to a Greek trade union delegation on Sunday after detaining and interrogating its members for several hours at Tel Aviv Airport, according to statements issued by Palestinian organizations and officials.

The delegation had been invited by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions to participate in a solidarity visit with the Palestinian labor movement. However, despite the official invitation, Israeli authorities prevented the delegation from entering Palestine and ultimately deported its members.

In a statement, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions condemned the incident, saying the Greek trade unionists were subjected to questioning and prolonged detention before being refused entry. The federation described the move as a blatant violation of human rights and trade union freedoms, as well as a direct attack on the international relations maintained by the Palestinian labor movement with trade union organizations around the world.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also strongly condemned the decision, characterizing it as an arbitrary and unlawful measure aimed at undermining growing international solidarity with the Palestinian people.

According to the Ministry, the denial of entry to the Greek delegation reflects broader efforts to isolate Palestinians and prevent international visitors from witnessing the realities of the occupation and the conditions faced by the Palestinian people. The Ministry argued that the action constitutes a violation of international law and an assault on trade union freedoms and international solidarity.

Calling for an international response, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged governments, human rights organizations, the International Labour Organization, and trade union movements worldwide to condemn such practices and take effective measures to ensure respect for international law. It also called for guarantees that international delegations be granted access to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Statement by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 

The incident also drew criticism from the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which denounced the deportation of the Greek trade unionists. In a statement, the party said the delegation had sought to travel to Ramallah in order to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The Press Office of the CC of the KKE described the deportation as unacceptable and condemned what it called the stance of the Greek government, accusing it of failing to undertake the necessary protest actions toward its strategic ally, Israel. The party further reiterated its support for strengthening international solidarity with the Palestinian people, ending all forms of cooperation with Israel, and recognizing an independent Palestinian state in accordance with a unanimous decision previously adopted by the Greek Parliament.

The denial of entry to the Greek delegation comes amid continued international concern over restrictions imposed on solidarity missions and international visitors seeking to engage with Palestinian institutions and organizations.

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