A prominent Labour MP has recently tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) for a debate concerning the safety of Ms Haneen Zoabi, the Arab member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament). Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, tabled EDM 508 on July 14 highlighting the recent withdrawal of Zoabi's parliamentary privileges after her participation in the Freedom Flotilla.

Ms Zoabi was on board the Mavi Marmara, which attempted to break the illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, but was violently raided by the Israeli Navy who killed nine humanitarian volunteers. She was later verbally abused and threatened in the Knesset by rightwing MKs who called her a 'traitor'. Several of MKs joined in the incitement against Ms Zoabi which subsequently led to a number of death threats against her and her Arab colleagues.

EDM 508 which is currently signed by 11 British MPs including Mark Durkan, Caroline Lucas and Glenda Jackson asserts 'that the siege of Gaza is wrong; and applauds Haneen Zoubi for her courage in exposing this.' 

The Middle East Monitor (MEMO) will be hosting Haneen Zoabi, together with Arab MKs, Talab El Sana and Dr Jamal Zahalka, at a public seminar in the House of Commons on Wednesday 28 July. For more information please click here.