23/05/2022 (Agence Europe) – The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, was critical on Sunday 22 May of the refusal of the Israeli authorities to permit entry to the chairman of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Palestine, Manu Pineda (The Left, Spain). Ms Metsola, herself on a trip to Israel, said she would raise the issue directly with the authorities concerned. “Respect for MEPs and the European Parliament is essential for good relations”, she warned on Twitter. The Left, S&D and Greens/EFA groups in the European Parliament denounced the Israeli decision. In a letter dated 19 May, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified the EU delegation in Israel of Mr Pineda’s refusal of entry, without giving any explanation. The field mission of the Delegation for relations with Palestine, scheduled for 23-27 May, was cancelled. (CG)