Two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel

Two Labour MPs have been refused entry to Israel and detained by Israeli authorities, the foreign office said.

Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang were denied entry because they intended to spread "hateful rhetoric" against Israel, the Israeli population and immigration authority said in a statement reported by Israeli media.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the MPs' detention and denial of entry was "unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning".

"I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians," he added.

Ms Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, and Ms Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, flew to the country from Luton airport on Saturday with two aides, according to reports.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel denied entry to all four individuals following an interrogation, the population authority said according to the Times of Israel.

The paper reported Israel had not verified the arrival of an official visit but in a statement the UK Foreign Office confirmed the group was part of a parliamentary delegation.

Lammy said the foreign office had been in touch with both MPs to offer support.

"The UK government's focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza," he said.