US Concerned over ’Israeli’ Treatment of Arab-Americans

Local Editor

The United States expressed concern Tuesday regarding "Israel's" treatment of US citizens traveling to the country following recent reports of Palestinian-Americans being denied entry.

"The US government seeks equal treatment and freedom to travel for all US citizens regardless of national origin or ethnicity," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

"Specifically, the US government remains concerned at the unequal treatment that Palestinian-Americans and other Arab-Americans receive at Israel's borders and checkpoints."

The comments came in response to a question about reports of US citizens, particularly those eligible for a Palestinian Authority ID card, being denied entry into the Occupied Palestinian territories after landing at Ben Gurion Airport.

Kirby did not address the specifics of individual reports, instead referring reporters to Israeli authorities.

He did cite warnings posted on the State Department website that note "Israel" views anyone "believed to have claim" to a Palestinian Authority ID card -- meaning anyone with a parent or grandparent born or who lived in the West Bank or Gaza -- as a Palestinian resident, whether or not they are also a US citizen.

As such, they are required to enter via the Allenby Bridge on the Jordanian border rather than through the airport.

"Many Palestinian nationals or dual nationals seeking to enter via Ben Gurion have been sent back to the United States upon arrival," the website warns.

"Others have been allowed to enter "Israel" but told they cannot depart "Israel" via Ben Gurion without special permission, which is rarely granted.

"Some families have been separated as a result and other travelers have forfeited expensive airline tickets."

These observations are reflective of recent reports of some Palestinian-American travelers' experiences.

Kirby said this was an ongoing subject of discussions between the US and its ally "Israel".

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team